High Value, Chapter 1: The Public Hearing

A small town’s planning commission clashes over a controversial zoning request. The first chapter of this fictional series reveals the drama that can result from local decision-making.

High Value Serial, Top StoryHamilton LudwigJanuary 7, 2022High Value series, series, local government, planning process, Small Towns, small towns

The Death of a Car City

Michel Durand-Wood takes us on a hilarious walk through the stages of grief as he puts a financial spike in the heart of his beloved city’s unsustainable 2050 Master Plan.

Transportation, #NoNewRoads, Top StoryMichel Durand-WoodJanuary 3, 2022car culture, induced demand, Winnipeg, car dependency, canada, cars, transportation, financial solvency, local government, #NoNewRoads

Can Local Governments Be Held Accountable to Their Own Policies?

This organization is suing their local government over an insolvent, master-planned development in Collier County, Florida.

Finance, Herriges, Local Government, Taking Action, Top StoryDaniel HerrigesDecember 2, 2021Florida, environment, local politics, local government, master planned, financial solvency, taking action

The Next Generation of Strong Towns Leaders

The next generation of local leaders won’t consign themselves to serving as wards of the state. Instead, they’ll step up as the highest level of organizing for members of a community.

Local Government, Marohn, Membership, Top StoryCharles MarohnNovember 18, 2021local government, leadership, member drive, membership

The "Bikelash" Phenomenon (and Why It Shouldn't Scare Local Leaders)

Some people get up in arms about adding new bike lanes to neighborhoods. So why do the mayors who head these projects so often get reelected?

Upzoned, Podcast, Bikeability, Top StoryStrong TownsNovember 17, 2021Podcast, podcast, Upzoned, bikeability, bikes, bike lanes, local government, member drive

The Bottom-Up Revolution is... Saying "Yes" to Your City

City Councilor and Strong Towns member Mason Thompson is committed to making Bothell, WA, a resilient place to live.

Podcast, The Bottom-Up Revolution, Success Story, Local Government, Membership, Member Post, Top StoryStrong TownsNovember 11, 2021The Bottom-Up Revolution, taking action, city council, local government

Sorry, but a $10 Million Sewer System Won't Fix Your Economy

This small town in Maine is hoping to breathe life back into its Main Street…but is looking for solutions in all the wrong places.

#InfrastructureCrisis, Infrastructure, Local Government, Quednau, Top StoryRachel QuednauOctober 26, 2021sewers, public investment, Infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure spending, Small Towns, small towns, local government

We Live in a "People Aquarium"…and the Water Is Running Out

What can we do at the most immediate, local level when water reservoirs run low?

Local Government, Member Post, Sanphillippo, Suburban Experiment, Top StoryJohnny SanphillippoOctober 5, 2021water, California, Granola Shotgun, climate, environment, subsidiarity, local government, local regulation

Can Navigating Your City's Budget Be...Fun??

Making city budgets accessible to the average citizen is crucial for building stronger places. Here’s 4 examples of cities that made their budgets not only accessible, but even fun!

#StrongCitizens, Finance, Local Government, Davis, Success Story, Top StorySarah DavisSeptember 23, 2021finance, local finance, municipal finance, local government, local gov, cities, budget, success, success stories

CDOT's Proposal for Transit-Induced Pollution

CDOT drafts a rule that intends to address both greenhouse gas emissions and Colorado’s spreading development pattern. But can this kind of top-down solution work?

A Highway Cap in El Paso: False Road to Equity?

El Paso and TxDOT are using concepts aimed at making things better for people impacted by urban highway projects...to justify something that makes them worse.

CNU, Infrastructure, Local Government, Transportation, Top StorySito NegronSeptember 3, 2021local government, El Paso, Texas, transportation, race, highways, CNU

The Bottom-Up Revolution is... Connecting Neighbors and Harnessing the Power of Fun

Cate Ryba is Chief Operating Officer at Urban3, as well as a former city councilor, dog park creator, neighborhood revitalizer and fun run founder.

Podcast, The Bottom-Up Revolution, Success Story, Neighborhoods, Urban3, Local Government, Top StoryStrong TownsSeptember 2, 2021The Bottom-Up Revolution, Urban3, local government, city council, community, taking action

Getting Involved In Your City Is Tough...but Worth It. Here's Why.

Civic engagement doesn’t just improve our communities, it improves us as individuals, too.

Community, Local Government, Taking Action, Top Story, OwensTiffany Owens ReedAugust 5, 2021community, community engagement, activism, local government

A Preview of Bi-Partisan Compromise on Infrastructure (Sorry, It's Not Good)

We should not be cheering on simulacrums of reform when the majority of spending is going to programs that are making us weaker as a country, as cities, and as neighborhoods.