The Strong Towns Podcast

This special episode of the Strong Towns Podcast explores the Strongest Town Contest, including what cities can learn from previous winners, what it means for cities to participate, and a preview of this year's Contest. Joining the discussion are Strong Towns staffers Lauren Ronnander and John Pattison, as well as Stephen Gawron, the former mayor of the 2018 Strongest Town, Muskegon, Michigan. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Learn more about the Strongest Town Contest. Nominate your place (anyone can do this for free, even if you’re not a local official or city staff!) Chuck Marohn (Substack).

Today, Chuck is joined by Ben Hunt, the creator of Epsilon Theory. Their conversation revolves around the concept of the Widening Gyre, a “profound social equilibrium where bad people and bad ideas drive out good people and good ideas.” They discuss this concept from a few different angles: How it relates to top-down systems like America’s political systems and corporations. How it has led to the loss of a national narrative and increased division and conflict. How a community-based approach that focuses on doing the right thing today is the best way out. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Hear more from Ben Hunt: “Ben Hunt: We're Not Going to Fix This from the Top Down” (podcast). “Ben Hunt: In Praise of Bitcoin” (podcast). Ben Hunt (Twitter/X). Epsilon Theory (site). Chuck Marohn (Substack).

Cullum Clark, Director of the Economic Growth Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute, dives into the intricate challenges of housing development in Dallas. He discusses the pushback against new housing projects and the importance of public engagement in shifting perceptions. Clark highlights how local leaders can drive change through innovative reforms, thus bridging the gap between community desires and development realities. Finally, he touches on the impact of upcoming political shifts on housing policy and the complexities surrounding suburban growth.

The common myth that incremental housing development is slow is debunked, revealing that smaller projects can actually enable faster growth. Insights are shared on the power of compounding effects in the housing market, urging a shift from massive developments to more manageable strategies. The conversation draws parallels between parenting and urban development, emphasizing growth challenges. Historical transformations of frontier towns illustrate rapid, incremental change, while community engagement is highlighted as crucial for navigating urban housing challenges.

Nolan Gray, Senior Director at California YIMBY and expert in city planning, joins Austin Tunnell, host of the Building Culture podcast, to explore the housing crisis. They debate the contrasting methodologies of the Strong Towns and YIMBY movements in addressing housing affordability. Key discussions include the financialization of housing markets post-2008, the effects of zoning regulations, and unique financing strategies. Both emphasize their shared goal of improving community-based solutions while navigating the complexities of construction and market dynamics.

A journey through memorable audio clips reveals significant moments in the Strong Towns movement. Reflecting on the creative evolution of the podcast, hosts share their love for talk radio and musical transitions. Humorous engineering anecdotes highlight the importance of humility in public speaking. Traffic challenges intersect with societal conspiracy theories, prompting deeper discussions on city planning. Lastly, nostalgia meets modernization as the hosts thank their audience while looking forward to new directions.

Discover the complexities of housing policy as local governments tackle supply issues while pushing for regulatory reforms. Dive into the debate on urban density and the untapped potential of building in both urban and rural areas. Explore the financial challenges cities face with budget cuts leading to unsustainable projects. Unpack the banking industry's approach to loans and its impact on housing affordability. Lastly, learn about the importance of adaptable housing solutions and community development that responds to local needs.

In a lively Q&A session, insights about the housing market unfold, tackling everything from the history of homeownership to innovative solutions like backyard cottages. The dialogue critiques the current economic paradigms influencing housing finance and examines risks tied to mortgage-backed securities. Listeners will find a detailed look into new urbanism and its potential to reshape communities. The conversation emphasizes adaptable housing policies and considers alternative arrangements, all amidst thought-provoking questions from eager students.

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.