Accelerator | 12-Week Course

 Confessions of a Recovering Engineer

 

Our transportation system isn’t just inefficient—it’s dangerous, expensive, and built on flawed assumptions. To fix it, we need to rethink the values behind how we design streets, move people, and spend public dollars.

This course explores the core ideas of Confessions of a Recovering Engineer, revealing how engineering decisions have shaped our streets—and how reforming those practices can lead to safer, more financially stable, and livable communities.

Participants will:

  • Uncover the hidden values driving transportation design and their impact on safety and quality of life

  • Learn the difference between roads and streets—and why it matters

  • Examine the real costs of congestion, enforcement, and infrastructure investments

You’ll leave equipped to question outdated systems and push for streets that put people first.

 
 

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"The Accelerator is your opportunity to rethink how we design safer, more livable streets. I’m excited to be a co-instructor for these sessions and invite you to join me for these 12 weeks."

- Edward Erfurt

Explore Sessions

    • Introduction to the concept of embedded values in engineering

    • The impact of these values on transportation and urban planning

    • Case studies illustrating these embedded values 

    • The fundamental differences between roads and streets

    • How these differences influence design and functionality

    • The role of streets in creating vibrant, strong towns 

    • Analysis of traffic congestion and its root causes

    • Effective strategies for managing and reducing congestion

    • Case studies of successful traffic flow improvements

    • Understand the financial dynamics of transportatOverview of transportation finance

    • The economic impact of transportation projects on municipalities

    • Strategies for making financially sustainable transportation investments ion projects

    • Promote economically responsible investment in transportation infrastructure

    • The role of public transit in strong towns

    • Evaluation of transportation technologies and fads

    • Long-term benefits of sustainable transit solutions 

    • Crash Analysis Studio

    • The need for reform in transportation professions

    • Steps to foster change within the engineering community

    • Building a culture that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and community well-being 

 
 

Meet Your Instructors

Charles Marohn

Charles Marohn is a licensed civil engineer and land use planner with over 25 years of experience working with towns across North America. He is the founder and president of Strong Towns and the author of several books on community growth and resilience.

Edward Erfurt

Edward Erfurt is a licensed architect and the Director of Community Action at Strong Towns. He brings over 20 years of experience in urban design and public-sector planning, helping communities implement practical, place-based strategies for growth.

Carlee Alm-LaBar

Carlee Alm-LaBar is a public servant and nonprofit leader with years of experience in civic engagement and local government. She is the Chief of Staff at Strong Towns and formerly served in leadership roles in Lafayette, Louisiana, advancing community-focused planning and development.

Norm Van Eeden Petersman

Norm Van Eeden Petersman is a community organizer and advocate with a background in local government, public communications, and pastoral leadership. He is the Director of Movement Building at Strong Towns and a founding leader of DelPOP, a land use and housing reform group in British Columbia.