Announcing the Judges of this Friday's Debate

We're pumped to be putting on the Strong Towns Debates this Friday at the Congress for the New Urbanism in Seattle. It's become an annual tradition for us; Chuck Marohn hosts, enthusiastic people spar and a panel of judges passes its judgment. Think Oxford debates + American Idol.

The topics being debated this year are:

Proposal #1: In 2017, the United States will benefit from a $1 trillion surge in infrastructure spending.

Proposal #2: Smart Growth is the same thing as New Urbanism and New Urbanism is the same thing as Smart Growth.

We're still looking for two debaters who will argue in support of proposal #2. Sign up here if you're interested.

And now, we're thrilled to announce this year's panel of judges, some of whom are making their first appearance at the judging table:

  • Andres Duany - architect, urban planner, and founder of New Urbanism (but don't let that intimidate you if you're thinking of debating proposal #2)
  • Kate Durio - writer, downtown expert and newly appointed Assistant to the Mayor-President of Lafayette, LA
  • R. John Anderson - founding member of the Incremental Development Alliance, principal at Anderson | Kim and a seasoned judge at the debates

Together, this team of judges will help determine the winner of each debate, with the help of the audience.

If you're in Seattle this week, you're invited to attend! The event is free and open to the public. Get all the details here.

If you're not in Seattle but still interested, you'll be able to watch the debates live on our Facebook page.


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