The Strong Towns Podcast
America Needs a New Housing Bargain. Here’s Why.
Feb 24, 2025
Discover the flaws in North America's housing system that favor static neighborhoods while pushing poorer areas to transform. Explore a compelling vision for incremental change that respects cultural identities and promotes community resilience. Learn about the importance of evolving neighborhoods through regulatory reforms and local engagement. The discussion emphasizes empowering residents to take part in shaping their communities, fostering adaptable solutions to meet local needs.
33:40
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The flawed housing bargain perpetuates stagnation in many neighborhoods while forcing disruptive change in less powerful areas, leading to increased cycles of disinvestment.
- Proposing incremental development as a new housing bargain enables neighborhoods to adapt over time, fostering dynamic growth and diverse, affordable housing options.
Deep dives
The Grand Bargain of Neighborhood Change
A fundamental issue in city planning is the prevailing grand bargain, which allows neighborhoods to remain unchanged while burdening a select few with radical transformations. This arrangement leads to most neighborhoods resisting any change, locking them in a stagnant state, while others face sudden and disruptive redevelopment. The result is a stark contrast between thriving areas and those left behind, often leading to cycles of disinvestment. This situation generates a sense of loss among residents, who frequently prefer the slow decline over the upheaval associated with rapid redevelopment.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
