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.

#InfrastructureCrisis, #NoNewRoads, Infrastructure, Local Government, Marohn, Politics, Transportation, Top StoryCharles MarohnJuly 6, 2021MoveMN, Infrastructure, transportation, walkability, bikeability, #NoNewRoads, infrastructure cult, local government, Minnesota

Mayors Leading the Push for Reparations Programs

A new coalition of 11 U.S. mayors has announced an initiative to establish pilot reparations programs aimed at reducing the racial wealth gap.

Success Story, Herriges, Local Government, Neighborhoods, Race, Top StoryDaniel HerrigesJuly 1, 2021success stories, redlining, race, local government, local politics

It's Time to Bring Decision-Making Down to the Local Level (Part 2)

Local decision-making must become more accessible to everyday people. Here's how to make that happen in your place.

Dukes, Local Government, Member Post, Neighborhoods, Politics, Top StoryAlexander DukesJune 29, 2021local government, local regulation, Municipalism, subsidiarity, neighborhood, Neighborhoods

It's Time to Bring Decision-Making Down to the Local Level

To increase faith in our democracy we must make local decision-making more accessible and meaningful to everyday people.

Federal Government, Local Government, Top StoryAlexander DukesJune 28, 2021local government, state government, federal government, subsidiarity, Decisions

When Do Legal Restrictions on Homes Become "Takings"?

The “Takings Clause” prohibits the government from taking private property without just compensation. But what if it’s interpreted in unexpected ways?

Housing, Local Government, Federal Government, Sanphillippo, Top StoryJohnny SanphillippoMay 4, 2021housing, San Francisco, Law, Homeownership, local regulation

Pretextual Planning is Absolutely Everywhere

In the history of urban planning and zoning, pretext has often been used to achieve unstated goals, with (at best) questionable public purposes.

Herriges, Local Government, Planning Profession, Race, Zoning, Top StoryDaniel HerrigesApril 29, 2021urban planning, local regulation, local government, race

Wholly Moses: Pave Now, Pay Later

A malignant legacy lives on through a recent bill proposed in Oregon.

City Observatory, #NoNewRoads, Local Government, Transportation, Top StoryJoe CortrightApril 23, 2021Robert Moses, Oregon, City Observatory, Joe Cortright, Portland OR

Escaping from Natural Resource Dependence in Wyoming

Cities in Wyoming have become dependent on extractive industry. Here’s how and why they need to get out of this impossibly fragile situation.

Herriges, Local Government, Urban3, Top Story, Top Story 2, Resource TrapDaniel HerrigesApril 21, 2021Wyoming, Casper, Urban3, fragility, sustainability, Resource Trap - Case Studies

When Should States Pre-empt Local Governments?

What the debate over a historic building—Wichita’s Century II—can teach us about local democracy and government.

Local Government, Top StoryRussell Arben FoxApril 20, 2021local regulation, city government, state government, Kansas

The Federal Government Doesn't Own Infrastructure

The federal government pays the upfront costs for infrastructure, but the responsibility for its maintenance is yours. Forever.

Federal Government, Infrastructure, Local Government, Maintenance, Marohn, Top StoryCharles MarohnApril 19, 2021Infrastructure, federal government, American Jobs Plan, maintenance, infrastructure maintenance

The Bottom-Up Revolution is... a Strong Towns Advocate on her City Council

A passion for food access and community change led Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick to run for city council in her hometown of Rochester, MN.

Podcast, Taking Action, The Bottom-Up Revolution, Success Story, Local Government, Local Food, Top StoryStrong TownsFebruary 25, 2021The Bottom-Up Revolution, local food, local government, Rochester, Minnesota, Farming, taking action

The Great GASB!

There are major flaws in the accounting standards that shape municipal finance in American cities. But there’s an opportunity too: a chance to comment on—and perhaps change—those standards going forward.

Finance, Infrastructure, Local Government, Top StoryJoe MinicozziFebruary 17, 2021finance, municipal finance, infrastructure spending

The Bottom-Up Revolution is... Moving Past the Two-Party System

To build Strong Towns, our communities will need to push past the Red/Blue dichotomy.

Podcast, Taking Action, The Bottom-Up Revolution, Local Government, Top StoryStrong TownsFebruary 4, 2021The Bottom-Up Revolution, politics, taking action

The Bottom-Up Revolution is... Stepping Up to Run for Public Office

How do you go from seeing a problem in your city to solving it collectively, and then getting elected to city council? This advocate’s story will show you.

Podcast, Taking Action, The Bottom-Up Revolution, Success Story, Local Government, #SlowtheCars, Top StoryStrong TownsJanuary 28, 2021The Bottom-Up Revolution, California, city council, Safe Routes to Schools, schools, taking action

How to Start Asking the Right Questions about Infrastructure Funding

It’s possible to grow and accumulate wealth…but not without intention. That starts with asking the right question. "How do we get more money for infrastructure?" is the wrong question.