Amy Cohen, co-founder and president of Families for Safe Streets, shares her journey from personal tragedy to advocacy for safer streets. They discuss how combining personal stories with data can drive impactful change. Cohen emphasizes transforming grief into proactive community action and highlights the urgent need to address traffic violence as a preventable epidemic. The conversation also covers the importance of supporting trauma survivors and engaging local advocates to foster collective efforts for safer roadways.

Delve into the challenges faced by nonprofits during election years. Discover how political noise can distract from mission-driven goals, especially during a book tour. Learn about the impact of divisive rhetoric on community engagement and membership growth. This discussion showcases resilience in navigating political pressures while maintaining a nonpartisan approach. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how to stay true to core values amidst a turbulent political landscape.

It’s Member Week here at Strong Towns. As a special treat, we’re publishing three new episodes of the Strong Towns Podcast this week. In this episode, Chuck is joined by Norm Van Eeden Petersman, Strong Towns’ director of membership and development. They discuss the history of the Strong Towns movement and how members have brought it to heights Chuck never could’ve imagined — including spreading Strong Towns ideas not only across North America but across the world. The movement’s grown so much, but we’re not done yet. We need your help to spread the Strong Towns approach even further, until every town is a strong one. Join us by becoming a member today. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Chuck Marohn (Twitter/X).

Today, we’re kicking off Member Week at Strong Towns. As a special treat, we’ll be publishing three new episodes of the Strong Towns Podcast this week. In this first episode, Chuck discusses the cultural shift that the Strong Towns movement is striving to create and why that shift is so essential to building more prosperous and resilient communities. This is a bottom-up movement, and it needs your help to succeed. Join the ranks of people building a stronger tomorrow by becoming a member today. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Become a member today! Chuck Marohn (Twitter/X).

Strong Towns is a nonpartisan organization that’s focused on starting change from the local level, not the federal one. However, Chuck was recently challenged to come up with five things that the next president, whoever they end up being, should do once they’re in office. In today’s episode of the Strong Towns Podcast, he shares that list and explains why each item is important to building a stronger America. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “5 Things For The Next President To Do” (article). Chuck Marohn (Twitter/X).

Melany Alliston, a project manager and civil engineer at Toole Design, dives into the world of safe and equitable street design. She discusses the critical role engineers play in crafting safer communities and shares insights from her participation in Crash Analysis Studio sessions. The conversation also tackles the shift from vehicle-centric to inclusive designs, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. Additionally, Alliston highlights the challenges women face in STEM and the significance of mentorship in fostering a safer environment in civil engineering.

Explore the intriguing world of V2X technology and its moonshot approach to urban safety. Discover why big, risky gambles often fall short in solving complex problems like street safety. Delve into the historical context of American ambition and how it shapes our views on technology today. Learn about the importance of gradual, systematic solutions over flashy innovations, advocating for immediate local initiatives to enhance road safety instead of relying solely on advanced technologies.

Beth Osborne, director of Transportation for America and former U.S. Department of Transportation official, dives deep into the struggles of the Highway Trust Fund. She outlines its troubled history and its effect on current transportation policies. The conversation highlights the urgent need for reevaluation of funding, addressing misconceptions about the gas tax, and the challenges of reauthorization. Osborne emphasizes the importance of shifting focus from highway expansion to maintaining existing infrastructure, advocating for innovative and sustainable solutions.

Discover the journey of finding the right career to build strong communities. Hear about the importance of creating opportunities and staying flexible in early career stages. Learn how personal experiences in urban planning can lead to greater community empowerment. Explore the balance between stability and diverse experiences as passions evolve. Embrace the idea of navigating your own unique path, prioritizing meaningful relationships and values over societal norms. It's a guide for those eager to make a lasting impact.

Charles Marohn, President of Strong Towns and an advocate for sustainable community development, dives into the pivotal role of religious institutions in fostering collaboration and generosity within neighborhoods. He discusses the challenges of suburban development models and critiques post-war urban planning practices. Marohn emphasizes the importance of faith communities in building strong local bonds and encourages churches to engage meaningfully with their surroundings. This insightful conversation highlights the transformative potential of faith in community development.