The Strong Towns Podcast

Housing reform gets real as city leaders grapple with pressing questions. Discover how walkability can reshape neighborhoods and the importance of small incremental developers. Chuck Marohn tackles the challenges of zoning reform and high land values while highlighting the potential of DIY projects. Explore practical solutions like accessory bedrooms and backyard cottages to boost entry-level housing. Delve into strategies to normalize duplexes and navigate the tension between large developments and small units in the housing market.

Erick Guerra, a regional planning professor and author of "Overbuilt," dives deep into America's obsession with highway construction. He discusses how we've expanded urban highway lanes by 75% since the 1990s despite the Interstate Highway System being 'complete.' Erick highlights the significant influence of engineers on highway routing and funding incentives that drive unnecessary expansions. He also explores the negative impacts on urban safety and land value, advocating for a rethink of our highway-centric approach to city planning.

In this engaging conversation, journalist and bestselling author Sam Quinones dives into his latest book, exploring the connection between community and the tuba. He shares how curiosity about tuba players revealed deeper themes of hard work and collaboration. Sam highlights how access to instruments shapes identity and opportunity for students in music programs. He also links music with resilience against addiction, discussing the joy of practice and community. Alongside stories of virtuosity and fun events like Tuba Christmas, Quinones showcases the transformative power of music.

In this engaging discussion, Joe Minicozzi, founder of Urban3, sheds light on the complexities of short-term rentals like Airbnbs. He reveals how they distort housing markets and why current tax systems favor investors over families. By analyzing Asheville's rental market, Joe showcases the financial dynamics that drive up housing costs for owner-occupants. The conversation also explores the inconsistencies in property assessments and the need for policy changes to create a fairer housing landscape.

Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League, dives into Michigan's innovative housing landscape. He shares how local governments can empower communities through tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all policies. Gilmartin discusses the My Home program, aimed at creating a housing-ready ecosystem and addressing affordability issues. He highlights Muskegon's transformation through strategic investments and explains the importance of local stewardship in housing, blending community needs with economic development.

Joe Minicozzi, founder of Urban3, discusses urban planning through the lens of highway projects and Airbnbs. He critiques the efficacy of costly highway designs and their negative impact on communities, highlighting noise-related property value losses. Joe also examines how short-term rentals distort local housing markets, advocating for different taxation treatments compared to owner-occupied homes. Their candid conversation reveals the complexities and consequences of urban development practices.

Vignesh Swaminathan, a civil engineer and project manager at Kimley-Horn known as "Mr. Barricade," shares insights on innovative street safety designs. He discusses how to make streets safer while avoiding gentrification, emphasizing people-centered approaches over traditional parking solutions. Vignesh explores the impact of self-driving cars on urban planning and highlights the importance of quick-build strategies for public feedback. He also addresses unequal investment in bike and pedestrian infrastructure, advocating for solutions that support local communities.

Exploring the downfall of North American cities, the discussion dives into how post-WWII policies transformed urban landscapes into sprawling debt-ridden entities. Chuck highlights the historical trends of incremental city building that once fostered resilience. He reveals the financial pitfalls of current municipal strategies and emphasizes the importance of lower barriers for development. Practical fixes, including starter housing and incremental repairs, are presented as pathways to rejuvenate and strengthen urban environments.

Wes Marshall, a civil engineering professor at the University of Colorado Denver and author of “Killed by a Traffic Engineer,” dives into the perilous state of America's streets. He critiques outdated traffic engineering practices and shares personal anecdotes revealing the disconnect between urban and rural infrastructure. The conversation includes fresh perspectives on speed limits and the inefficacy of current safety metrics, while advocating for designs that prioritize cyclist and pedestrian safety. Marshall emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in urban planning to truly enhance safety.

James Anderson, the Head of the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies, has transformed how local governments operate worldwide. He explains why local governance is essential today and outlines how residents can inspire city leaders to innovate. The conversation dives into using data-driven decision-making and interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle community challenges, especially in the Memphis model. Anderson encourages citizens to actively engage in local governance to foster innovation and create more responsive, collaborative communities.