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Make Room for the Impossible: How Unthinkable Ideas Are Revitalizing Small Towns

Erika Willitzer
Sep 26
2 min read

In small towns, the phrase “we’ve never done that before” often signals caution. But what if it became a rallying cry for innovation?

Across the country, rural communities are rewriting their stories—not with billion-dollar budgets, but with unthinkable ideas that challenge norms, spark pride, and breathe new life into forgotten spaces. These aren’t pipe dreams. They’re real projects, led by real people, in places just like yours.

Why the Impossible Matters

Unthinkable ideas force us to reimagine what’s possible. They invite creativity, courage, and collaboration. And in small towns—where tradition runs deep and resources run thin—they’re often the spark that ignites transformation.

Making room for the impossible means:

Welcoming wild ideas that don’t fit the mold.
Empowering local voices to lead change.
Turning “what if” into “why not us?”

Small Towns That Did the Unthinkable

Greensburg, Kansas
- After a devastating tornado in 2007, this town didn’t just rebuild—it reimagined itself as one of the greenest communities in America. Solar panels, LEED-certified buildings, and a commitment to sustainability turned tragedy into triumph.
North Canton, Ohio
- Once home to a leather goods shop, this small town birthed the Hoover vacuum empire. Innovation didn’t come from a tech lab—it came from a local craftsman with a better idea.
Sandpoint, Idaho
- What started as a local salad dressing recipe became the nationally beloved Litehouse brand. Proof that small-town flavor can scale big.
Montgomery, Alabama
- Home to the Equal Justice Initiative’s National Memorial for Peace and Justice, Montgomery transformed its historical narrative into a powerful space for reflection and justice.
Madison, Wisconsin
- Earth Day was founded here. This small city continues to lead in sustainability and outdoor living, showing that environmental movements can start anywhere.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Milton Hershey didn’t just build a chocolate factory—he built a community. Schools, housing, and public spaces all centered around a sweet vision.
  Photo from: https://www.hersheypark.com/

How to Spark the Impossible in Your Town

Host a “What If” Night
Invite locals to pitch wild ideas—no budget talk, just imagination.
Create a Mini Innovation Fund
Even $500 can launch a pilot project that inspires others.
Celebrate Bold Failures
Not every idea will work, but every attempt builds momentum.
Reclaim Forgotten Spaces
Turn empty lots into gardens, murals, or pop-up shops.

The impossible isn’t impractical—it’s essential. It’s how small towns move from surviving to thriving. And when we make room for the unthinkable, we make space for hope, pride, and progress.