Moving the Overton Window

How can Strong Towns grow into a movement which brings about transformative change, not tinkering around the edges?

Herriges, Strategies, Discussion ForumDaniel HerrigesJuly 30, 2015urbanism, advocacy, Overton Window, politics

Film for thought

Way back in May, I shared two videos with our program participants to set the tone for the summer ahead. I've found myself drawn back to them as I hit roadblocks this week. I hope they'll mean something to you as well.

Field Notes, Small Scale DevelopersGracen JohnsonJuly 29, 2015New Urbanism

You can break any law you want....

You can break any law you want if you wear an orange vest.

Show 243: Aaron Brown and the Iron Range

Aaron Brown -- author, college instructor and radio producer from Minnesota's iron range -- joins the podcast to talk about the history of the Iron Range, economic development issues and cultural obstacles to change. You can get Aaron's book, Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range, and read his regular blog at his site, MinnesotaBrown.com.

PodcastCharles MarohnJuly 23, 2015Aaron Brown, Economic Development, Minnesota

4 Easy Steps to Squash the "There's No Parking" Argument

Four simple steps to combat those who claim that there isn't enough parking in your downtown or neighborhood.

Hood, Urban Design, Parking, Top EvergreenNathaniel M. HoodJuly 23, 2015Donald Shoup, St. Paul, parking

An incremental makerspace

I've been lucky to witness the emergence of the Fredericton Makerspace. I say lucky, because if we did not have some relentlessly dedicated volunteers pouring themselves into the project, it would still be one of those great ideas that never happened. But this week, I stood in the Makerspace woodshop and watched people build together.

Respect the Renter

In spite of the fact that ⅓ of all American are renting their housing, there seems to be a notion in many neighborhoods and towns that owners are the only residents who are going to be valuable members of their communities. Instead, renters should be more fully welcomed into their neighborhoods and respected as the diverse, engaged community members that they can be.

Update on Chuck's Place

A little update on the storm that passed over Chuck's home last weekend. Thanks to everyone who checked in and sent well wishes.

PodcastStrong TownsJuly 20, 2015Neighborhood Design, narrow streets, home, housing, neighborhood

Chipping away at change

As Strong Towns advocates, we are catalysts for change, and the metaphorical walls that our institutions have erected against change are being chipped away.

New adventures ahead for ED Kumon

Strong Towns Executive Director Jim Kumon will be leaving the organization at the end of the month to pursue new endeavors in land use, transportation and real estate development. He has been with Strong Towns for the past two years. His last day with the organization is July 31.

Organizational UpdatesStrong TownsJuly 17, 2015Updates

Come work for Strong Towns

Today we're announcing two openings on the Strong Towns team.

Organizational UpdatesStrong TownsJuly 16, 2015membership, Updates

Call and Response

I love the call and response of the city. We speak to each other through all these subtle gestures - putting out a dog-bowl on a hot day, painting the front door, installing a free library box. It's a relay passed on from one person to another. We each have our own way of expressing kindness or humour to the people around us, and the city becomes a canvas of all these tiny acts of humanity.

Field Notes, Neighborhood DesignGracen JohnsonJuly 15, 2015community building, gardening, neighborhood

This week....

Charles MarohnJuly 13, 2015home

Real Value

Monday Member Blog Digest: Identifying places of real versus illusory value. What is a "bad neighborhood" anyway? What is the best use of land under or next to an urban freeway? The bright future of the Midwestern "Rust Belt," and why the past isn't a good guide to the future when it comes to real estate values. Neighborhood churches as an urban litmus test. Thoughts on Pope Francis's message re: cities and urbanism. Block parties and red tape. A victory for cyclists in South Florida. When to put your time and energy into an idea when you have more of them than you can effectively advocate for.

How to address chronic speeding

Demand an approach to speeding that reflects your values.

Leyrer, #SlowtheCars, Strong Towns MemeMatthias LeyrerJuly 9, 2015speed, Street Design, strong towns approach

Podcast Show 241: Iowa ULI

A revelation from the Iowa DOT Director and a speech on transportation to the Iowa ULI by Chuck Marohn.

PodcastStrong TownsJuly 9, 2015Iowa Department of Transportation

An Alternative to Walking

This longboard has been far more thought-provoking than expected. Once I'm competent enough to venture beyond my quiet street, where will I go? How do people use the streets and sidewalks when they are not on foot, bike, or driving?

The Expensive Road to Nowhere #DuctTapeTour

A vast majority of our infrastructure is predicated on treating non-automobiles as second-class citizens. This is the status quo. One doesn't need to look far to find examples.