Chuck and Rachel recap recent events in Ashland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Northampton, Massachusetts. They also discuss upcoming events in Dallas, Texas and Monterey, California, plus a Strong Towns staff and board retreat. Finally, they check in about their holiday baking plans.
Mentioned in this Podcast:
(Top photo courtesy of The American Conservative)
Abby and guest John Pattison dive into the benefits and drawbacks of "sponge cities," cities that incorporate natural features like wetlands into their stormwater management infrastructure.
Jess and Dan Sollaccio are city commissioners and a small-scale developers from Warrenton, Oregon. They explain their asset-based mindset for strengthening their community, as well as their efforts to turn a vacant building into a community hub.
Memphis was ranked the #1 most dangerous metro in 2024. That’s not stopping Kelsey Huse, an advocate and grad student. She shares the inside scoop on Memphis’ dangerous design and how she’s working to change it.
Data centers use a massive amount of electricity, sometimes even rivaling major cities. Today, Edward and Abby discuss the far-reaching implications of this kind of land use. (Transcript included.)
Eva López Chávez is a city council member in Salt Lake City, Utah. She and Norm discuss how she’s building prosperity in her city.
Ashley Thornton is the founder of Waco Walks, an organization devoted to promoting walkability in Waco, Texas. She and Tiffany discuss the design choices that make Waco difficult to walk in and how Waco Walks is working to change that.
Colorado's population is rapidly aging, but limited housing stock means seniors are stuck in homes they can’t afford. Abby discusses this dilemma with Katy Claggett, a developer originally from Colorado who develops infill housing for seniors.
Mark Hoppen is a former city manager who’s been strengthening communities for decades. He talks about why someone should pursue city management, what real priorities look like in that role, and how to lead with care and practicality.
Chuck is joined by Quint Studer, the founder of the Center for Civic Engagement in Pensacola, Florida. They discuss Strong Towns’ involvement in Pensacola’s renewal and the Civic Leader Summit that will be held there in September.
Will Gardner is the founder of South Coast Places For People, a new nonprofit in Massachusetts. He discusses the three working groups his nonprofit recently started, which focus on parking reform, backyard cottages, and street safety.