From Theory to Practice: The Just Communities Protocol

by Steven Baumgartner, Baumgartner Urban Systems Strategy LLC (BUSS)

July 18, 2025

Steven is an engineer, planner and strategist specializing in integrated systems solutions for cities, communities and campuses. He founded Baumgartner Urban Systems Strategy (BUSS) after two decades of working at global integrated design, engineering, planning and architecture firms. He uses his experience, evidence (data) and empathy to find innovative solutions for his clients.

Core to his practice is the belief that urban systems need to be continually re-examined, re-engineered, and re-imagined to advance our communities’ biggest challenges. Through his work, Steven has seen how bold and thoughtful, solutions strengthen our neighborhoods, build economic prosperity and ensure health and wellness- all while working in concert with (not against) our natural systems.

Steven was previously an EcoDistricts AP and received his Just Communities AP shortly after the release of the new protocol (early 2024).

Steven lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife, two children and a couple of pups.

Insight from a Practitioner

Through my career I have worked with excellent interdisciplinary design and client teams to generate many sustainability frameworks, protocols and bespoke management systems- often leveraging existing frameworks, and I always come back to Just Communities because it is robust, pragmatic, and flexible.

I do not see Just Communities as ‘digital’ (as in digital signals: yes/no, on/off, 0 or 1. I think of communities as ‘analog’, a sliding scale of progress and intervention. Just Communities is a tool in which to leverage strategically- like a kit of parts. It gives shape where shape is needed, process where perhaps there are gaps, and breadth of content to aggregate goals and kpis as needed. I love that it’s not point-based.

I utilize the protocol regularly, in several ways. The following are three good examples, all for clients that would not call themselves “Just Communities” but who’s project plans and recommendations have been shaped positively by the protocol.

– Turning Values to Vision – Utilized the breadth of the protocol to shape a client’s value-set and help organize their objectives and direction. Ex. The Industrial Commons in Morganton, NC.

– Process Guide in Engagement – Utilized the content and process as a guide organizing groundwork forums, content within the planning process and core principles of climate resilience and equity. Example: Spokane University District in Spokane, Washington.

– Metric Integration and Aggregation – Utilized the robust commitment, objectives and metrics language and organization as a way to communicate, organize and prioritize a client’s value-set and success measures. Ex. Berea College Campus Plan, Sustainability and Climate Action Planning

I’m proud to have been one of the (small) contributors that shaped the protocol and will continue to leverage the great work by PSE and the many excellent planners, SMEs, community leaders and visionaries who contributed to EcoDistricts and its next iteration in Just Communities.

The Industrial Commons (TIC) Innovation Campus Groundbreaking. Photo Credit: Franzi Charen