The Strong Towns Podcast

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.

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.