Building better communities and battling the sprawl: David Kooris on transit oriented developments

This week on Power House, Zeb sits down with David Kooris, Executive Director of the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority, for a wide-ranging conversation on how urban planning shapes the long-term success of communities.

David explains why urban planning is no longer just about zoning and land use, but a holistic approach that balances infrastructure, housing, climate resilience, and economic development. He shares insights from his own unconventional path into the field (spanning architecture, archaeology, and planning) and how that perspective influences his work supporting municipalities across Connecticut.

The conversation explores why demand is shifting away from sprawl toward walkable, compact communities; how climate risk is reshaping development decisions; and why community engagement has become central to successful projects. David also offers practical guidance for investors and developers interested in transit-oriented development, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the public and private dimensions of place-making.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• Why urban planning is becoming a holistic community strategy
• Why walkable, compact communities are gaining demand
• How community engagement shapes successful development
• Why investors must consider the broader neighborhood context
• How climate risks are influencing planning decisions
• What best-in-class community engagement looks like today
• Why successful developers actively curate amenities and public space

Related to this episode:

• David Kooris LinkedIn
• Connecticut Municipal Development Authority







The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.