The UK government's austerity agenda, and Bristol's ill-fated mayoral system, are the context for this collection of essays from activists focussing on promoting inclusion, community campaigning and city planning.

Six essays illustrate achievements and setbacks in promoting inclusion: overcoming barriers to cycling for underserved communities, creating safe places for Bristol’s queer communities, providing toilets that welcome everyone, resisting cuts to special educational needs provision, reclaiming independent living for disabled people, and championing the reparations movement. 

Campaigns erupt when something we care about is under threat. The campaigns described here involve Ursa the Bear, boaters’ rights, allotmenteering, public access to Stoke Lodge playing fields, street trees, and Yew Tree Farm.

Controversial planning decisions relating to Bristol’s arena, St Mary le Port, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Cumberland Basin, and Broadwalk shopping centre raised alarm about the quality of city planning. Those who objected describe their determination to expose and challenge poor decision-making.

In a city with a history of resistance, the demise of the ‘strong leader’ mayoral model was perhaps inevitable. But community activism lives on. The authors of these essays contribute a wealth of experience to inspire and inform future activists in our city and beyond.