Public art can do more than add personality and beauty to a space — it can change the way people behave, bring the community together and avoid the resistance other changes to city policy face. It’s time to stop overlooking this powerful and accessible tool and start making our towns stronger, one bucket of paint at a time.
Read MoreThe era of corner stores and mom-and-pop shops has mostly come to an end, with modern zoning codes strictly segregating commercial and residential areas. But a return to the mixed-use model might be just what we need to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen people's sense of community.
Read MoreWhen housing is scarce, the affordability and quality of it tend to go down. If we want to solve this, we need more housing supply—but how do we make that happen? (Hint: Not necessarily through large-scale federal programs!)
Read MoreWith regular repetition, community cleanups build something that’s lasting: a sense of commitment, pride, and place attachment.
Read MoreWhen budget season comes around, it can be hard to feel good about policy wins when there are so many other important causes that are also fighting for funding.
Read MoreThere’s a troubling narrative out there that you can only get things done in your community if you’re in public office, or by otherwise working through official, formal channels. But this is simply not true.
Read MorePeople tend, understandably, to think they’ll be safer in an SUV—but what happens to our cities if everyone is driving a bigger vehicle?
Read MoreThis Netflix documentary about regions of the world with higher-than-average life expectancies holds some key insights for anyone who wants to see North American cities become thriving, healthy places for people.
Read MoreDowntowns are the symbolic heart and soul of a city, and the economic center, writes Emma Durand-Wood. To build a resilient one, you need diversity in housing, jobs, shops, services, and more.
Read MoreWhen trees get cut down to make way for new development, it can raise people’s hackles. But here’s why we can embrace both infill development and still care about our urban trees.
Read MoreThe rhetoric around housing can get pretty heated, so here’s how one advocacy group in Winnipeg, MB, decided to show a little love and positivity to the residents of some new infill housing.
Read MoreWinter can be an isolating time, but here’s one easy, fun way to keep your community together during the year’s colder months!
Read MoreLiving in the city can mean dealing with a lot of noise, which can have negative long-term effects on one’s health—but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Read MoreConnecting with other advocates online can be empowering, but in many ways, you just can’t beat the power of a local, in-person group.
Read MoreStreet trees are the only municipal asset that increases in value and capacity over time. Here are some things you should keep in mind for when you’re ready to get out there and start planting!
Read MoreMost people would like to age in place, staying in their own home as long as possible. But do you do if your home is in an auto-oriented community, and you can no longer drive?
Read MoreStrong Towns is going on a two-week break from publication soon for the winter holidays. So, where can you go to get great content while we’re away? Emma Durand-Wood has you covered.
Read MoreWhen thinking about how to spark change in your city, it can be easy to jump straight from “guerilla tactical urbanism” to “run for office,” when in fact, there are SO many other ways for people to get involved.
Read MoreThis neighborhood’s bulk-buying club for fresh fruit and veggies presents a model that other communities can easily emulate.
Read MoreIf you look around at your city and think, “this is nuts,” know that you’re right: the way our cities have developed over the past 80 years doesn’t work.
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