The Strong Towns Podcast How To Handle the Bureaucracy of Local Government
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Apr 23, 2025 Kevin Blanchard, the CEO of Downtown Lafayette, and Carlee Alm-LaBar, Chief of Staff at Strong Towns, share their insights from their time as city staff in Lafayette, Louisiana. They discuss the challenges of balancing community demands with bureaucratic hurdles, emphasizing the fear and scarcity mindset that stifles innovation. They also delve into the intricate dynamics of property rights and zoning laws, and how citizen engagement is vital for navigating local governance. Their experiences reveal the importance of empathy and collaboration in driving community progress.
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Housing Development Tensions
- Housing developments often trigger public opposition despite aligning with city plans.
- Residents focus on neglected local issues, creating tension in public meetings.
City Hall Risk Aversion
- City staff often resist change due to paternalism and risk aversion.
- Scarcity of resources drives fear and cautious decision-making in local government.
Infrastructure Budget Struggles
- Public works faced a $10 million repair backlog with only $1 million budget.
- A massive 2015 flood exposed infrastructure neglect and shifted focus to drainage needs.