The Strong Towns Podcast

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.

Norm Van Eeden Petersman, director of membership and development at Strong Towns, shares inspiring insights into the grassroots origins and global impact of the Strong Towns movement. He highlights the journey from skepticism to participation, emphasizing the power of local engagement for resilient cities. The conversation also explores innovative strategies for expanding the reach of the movement, including leveraging social media platforms like TikTok. Norm encourages community involvement, showing how every member can help create stronger towns worldwide.

Discover the inspiring push for a cultural shift in urban development. Conversations focus on how community support drives sustainable solutions to local challenges. Personal stories reveal the importance of participation in fostering dialogue. Delve into the essential transformation of conversations surrounding public investments and growth. The episode emphasizes community engagement as a key player in effective local governance, paving the way for resilient and prosperous towns.

The discussion centers on five crucial actions the next president should take to strengthen America. It critiques current transportation funding and suggests prioritizing traffic safety through state reforms. There's a focus on the hazards of 'zombie highways' and misallocated resources. The speakers highlight the community impacts of the proposed I-49 highway project and stress the importance of addressing the national housing crisis. Ultimately, collaboration with local leaders is emphasized as vital for lasting change and effective problem-solving.

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.

Chuck Marohn, an expert on housing market fraud, delves into the pervasive issue of fraud in real estate. He reveals how fraud seeps into the market, igniting housing bubbles and ultimately shaping the current crisis. Marohn discusses the alarming impact of occupancy fraud on housing stability and contrasts the experiences of owner-occupiers with those of investors. He also critiques the roles of federal organizations like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, advocating for urgent reforms to safeguard the mortgage-backed securities market.