The Strong Towns Podcast

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 He critiques outdated traffic engineering practices and shares personal anecdotes revealing the disconnect between urban and rural infrastructure.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.

Chuck is joined by Quint Studer, founder of the Center for Civic Engagement in Pensacola, known for his commitment to community vibrancy. They delve into the upcoming Civic Leaders Summit, emphasizing actionable strategies for fostering local development. The conversation highlights Pensacola's recent growth and accolades, underscoring its vibrant atmosphere and safety. Quint shares insights on the importance of community engagement and local leadership in transforming small to mid-market cities, showcasing the essence of civic collaboration.

The discussion tackles the myth that building more houses automatically lowers prices. It delves into the housing market’s complexities, revealing how falling prices threaten builder confidence. Historical patterns reveal how financial innovations often inflate prices instead of fostering affordability. Local solutions, especially for starter homes, are highlighted as vital for real change. The podcast encourages grassroots movements to create sustainable, community-driven approaches towards affordable housing.

In this special episode, Chuck is joined by Graham Campbell, director of Economics & Research for the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission. They discuss the true cost of infrastructure — and why both New Zealand and North America are facing the same financial and structural challenges. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Chuck Marohn (Substack) Want to bring the conversation to your city? Book Chuck Marohn as a speaker.   This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership, including member-exclusive perks.

Explore the complexities behind the housing crisis, moving beyond just supply issues. Hear experts dissect the motives of corporate developers and advocate for community-driven solutions. Discover innovative financing models that prioritize diverse housing options, such as accessory dwelling units. Uncover the grassroots methods cities with significant immigrant populations use to meet housing needs. The conversation emphasizes systemic change, local market alignment, and the importance of fostering understanding within communities.