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Every city has soul, right? A weird, wonderful mix of history, stories, and concrete. Here in Indianapolis, we’re kind of obsessed with ours.
We are People For Urban Progress, though honestly, most folks around here just call us PUP. A local non-profit that looks at city trash and sees pure potential.
Call us urban hackers or a "do-tank" if you want (we certainly do), but basically, we’re just a crew of designers, makers, and stubborn dreamers who refuse to let good stuff go to waste. When Indianapolis discards something, be it old stadium fabric, retired bus seats, or forgotten vinyl banners, we swoop in, get our hands dirty, and haul it back to the shop.
Then comes the fun part. We redesign all that salvaged material into sleek, durable goods for the public. Simply put: goods for good. Selling those locally crafted pieces isn't just about making cool bags or home gear, though; every single dollar loops right back into funding bigger, bolder civic projects across town. It's how we upgrade underutilized urban spaces and build a smarter city using resources we already own.
Look, talk is cheap in urban planning. Real innovation happens when you actually roll up your sleeves and get messy with what's right in front of you. We love this city, cracks in the sidewalk and all, and every single day, we're out here trying to make it just a little bit better.