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.
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(Top photo courtesy of The American Conservative)
Six months after wildfires destroyed record-breaking swathes of LA, only a fraction of homeowners have received permits to rebuild, let alone started construction. Chuck and Edward talk about why state attempts to encourage quick rebuilding failed.
Ashley Salvador is a city councilor in Edmonton, Alberta. A national leader in housing reform and urban revitalization, Ashley shares how she helped bring about a brand new tax subclass that’s making Edmonton safer and stronger.
No matter how easy we make it to build, the existing housing system cannot tolerate lower prices. Chuck explains why and how we can build a better system. (Transcript included.)
Jeral Poskey is the founder of Swyft Cities, which is spearheading a totally new transportation system. Jeral describes the system and how it could address issues like traffic, land wasted on parking, and difficulty with infill development.
A South Dakota agriculture company is being charged $50,000 for its road use. Abby and Edward discuss the balancing act of infrastructure costs and municipal budgets, especially in rural areas. (Transcript included.)
Dr. Alicia Pederson is a writer and advocate who encourages cities to adopt courtyard urbanism. She explains the benefits of this development style and how to advocate for it. (Transcript included.)
Chuck is joined by Graham Campbell of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission. They discuss the true cost of infrastructure and why both New Zealand and North America are facing the same challenges.
Meet Burhan Azeem, a city councilor in Massachusetts. He’s expanded zoning for affordable housing, removed parking minimums, and helped build bike lanes throughout the city. Learn how he got here and what's next.
Meet Army Master Sgt. Ben Hultquist of Fayetteville, North Carolina. After a string of preventable pedestrian deaths, Ben started advocating for safer streets. Here’s how his testimony is changing the conversation.
Adult friendships are difficult. A big part of that is our built environment, which often stifles social connection instead of supporting it. Kat Vellos is an author, facilitator, and connection coach who's working to change that.