Death by Parking

For nearly half a year, this small business owner has been ready to open his coffee shop…but the city is refusing to let him do so, all because of antiquated parking mandates.

For Houston Freeway Fighters, Federal Government’s Actions Speak Louder Than Words

The federal government’s refusal to hold TxDOT accountable for the harm it’s doing in Houston is allowing history to repeat itself—something the current administration pledged it wouldn’t do.

What's It Like Being Stranded in Your City? (Part 1)

What does it take to spark bottom-up hospitality? In this first of a two-part essay, Tiffany Owens Reed explores the hospitality she enjoyed from strangers while on a six-month, somewhat unpredictable Europe trip.

Owens, Top StoryTiffany Owens ReedMarch 28, 2023travel, urban design, hospitality, europe

Is a Drunk Pedestrian Killed by a Driver Something To Care About?

People find it easy to blame a drunk driver for an accident, but what about a drunk pedestrian?

Flushing Success Down the Toilet

This public toilet in Winnipeg, MB, is a case study in why city governments need to pay attention to the power of small bets.

The Goldilocks and the Three Bears Approach to Redevelopment

Developers and builders often ask the same question: “What can I build on x lot?” But what is it that they’re actually looking for, and how can the urban planners they work with help them make the most of a given space?

Edward Erfurt, Top StoryEdward ErfurtMarch 24, 2023urban design, urban planning, developers, development, redevelopment

2023 Strong Towns National Gathering: Come Join Your Movement!

Join us May 30–31 in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the Strong Towns National Gathering!

Top StoryStrong TownsMarch 23, 2023National Gathering

The Reconnecting Communities Program Isn’t Undoing Highway Expansions—It’s Decorating Them

For some, the Reconnecting Communities Program symbolizes an auspicious reversal of values that have characterized the past 70 years of transportation planning. For others, it's business as usual.

High-Income Earners Are Renting Instead of Buying Homes

High-earning Americans are saying they might choose to rent indefinitely. Why?

Podcast, Top StoryStrong TownsMarch 22, 2023podcast, rent, renters, housing, housing cost, housing crisis, Incremental Housing, upzoned

Don’t Like Sprawl? Just Call It Something Else.

The state of Florida has a bold new strategy to eliminate the adverse effects of urban sprawl: Change the definition.

Madison, WI, Is Lowering Traffic Deaths—But There’s Still Work To Do

Political and engineering leaders in Madison, WI, are working to make their city streets safer by developing a culture of safety with the efforts of their Vision Zero initiative.

Lessons From the Forest

Change requires believing in our own ability to adapt.

Owens, Top StoryTiffany Owens ReedMarch 21, 2023design, urban design, parks

Growth Through Destruction

Can built environments grow even stronger after experiencing some form of destruction?

Podcast, Marohn, Top StoryStrong TownsMarch 20, 2023podcast, complex systems

Making the Most of Your Transportation Options—And Getting Your Neighbors Onboard

White Flint, MD, presents a great case study for how a community can begin shifting the conversation on its transportation infrastructure and development pattern.

Denver Residents Won’t Be Satisfied Until I-25 Ramp Project Is Officially Canceled

The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has expressed interest in abandoning a controversial infrastructure project, but residents are wary of celebrating too soon.

When a Building Is Demolished, What Should Happen to the Materials?

When buildings throughout the U.S. get demolished, the once useful construction materials often end up in landfills. But there’s a growing movement to try and reuse those materials in other projects.

Podcast, Top StoryStrong TownsMarch 15, 2023podcast, construction, upzoned