In California, many major insurers have recently dropped homeowners in high risk areas from their plans, forcing them to seek alternate coverage with the state. However the state has nowhere near enough money to cover current property damage costs, a situation that will likely get worse as wildfires continue to burn. In this episode of Upzoned, co-hosts Abby Newsham and Chuck Marohn discuss the impact of natural disasters on the insurance industry, the feasibility of government-run insurance programs, and what this might mean for California in the long term. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Support Southern California Wildfire Relief. (Thank you to Strong Towns Artesia for providing this resource!) “California’s Insurance System Faces Crucial Test as Losses Mount” by Christopher Flavelle, The New York Times (January 2025). Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Chuck Marohn (Twitter/X). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

In this episode of Upzoned, host Abby Newsham is joined by Kevin Klinkenberg, an urban designer, planner and executive director of a place management organization. They discuss how a middle-class life — especially homeownership — has become increasingly difficult for younger generations to attain. They also cover the factors that contribute to this difficulty and possible responses. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Transcript available on our site. “Is a Middle Class Life Still Attainable?” by Tom Owens, Aaron Renn Substack (December 2024). Read more from Kevin Klinkenberg on Strong Towns or his Substack The Messy City. Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

Explore the fascinating world of municipal development and the psychology driving big projects. Discover how satellite communities may appear to solve urgent housing needs but can lead to long-term challenges, like maintenance debt. Hear about the intense debates surrounding Ottawa's $1.5 billion infrastructure plan and a $900 million suburban project. Delve into the complexities of forecasting municipal demands and the ethical dilemmas in urban planning, all while enjoying some lighthearted banter about life in Minnesota.

Canadian cities face a pressing need for 3.5 million housing units by 2030, creating a challenge to balance urban development with tree preservation. The discussion highlights the emotional connection communities have with trees and critiques the shortsighted removal of mature trees during redevelopment. Innovative solutions, like tree relocation, are proposed to maintain urban greenery. Additionally, the conversation delves into the essential role trees play in urban aesthetics, stormwater management, and enhancing property values.

Andrew Ganahl, managing partner at AND Real Estate, dives into the benefits of townhouse developments in urban areas, particularly Kansas City. He discusses townhouses as a new American dream, striking a balance between affordability and community needs. The conversation highlights unique challenges like zoning regulations and outdated infrastructure that affect costs. Ganahl also shares insights on blending different housing types and the evolving preferences for urban living, suggesting townhouses could be key to addressing housing shortages.

Post-COVID-19, there’s been a resurgence of interest in mixed-use neighborhoods, leading some cities to allow for small corner stores even in neighborhoods that are otherwise residential only. In this Upzoned episode, host Abby Newsham is joined by Norm Van Eeden Petersman, the director of membership and development for Strong Towns. They discuss the role that small corner stores play in local economies, the benefits of allowing residents to continue using and creating these kinds of businesses, and how to talk to your local government about allowing this kind of use in your own community. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Become a member today! “The Corner Store Comeback” by Linda Baker, Bloomberg (October 2024). Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

After the collapse of a Florida condo made national news in 2021, new safety regulations were enacted, requiring nearly 90% of Florida units to be updated. This left condo owners and buyers blindsided by a large backlog of deferred maintenance costs with no money saved to pay for them. In this episode of Upzoned, co-hosts Abby Newsham and Chuck Marohn explain that this situation is an example of the Growth Ponzi Scheme, where maintenance costs are hidden by rapid growth until they eventually come due and bury people or communities in debt. They discuss the effect deferred maintenance has on individuals and communities and explore possible paths forward. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “Why Owning (and Buying) a Florida Condo Has ‘Turned Into a Nightmare’” by Julia Echikson, The New York Times (October 2024). Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Chuck Marohn (Twitter/X). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

John Anderson, a seasoned builder and developer from Atlanta, dives into the transformative concept of urban homesteading. He discusses the intriguing $1 home initiative, aiming to combat urban blight by selling dilapidated houses to motivated individuals. The conversation highlights the importance of community support and knowledgeable facilitators in making these projects successful. Additionally, he addresses innovative housing solutions in cities like Kansas City, showcasing how revitalization and creative strategies can turn the tide on housing scarcity.

The hosts tackle the challenging concept of managed retreat, highlighting the struggles of relocating communities from disaster-prone areas. They explore Hurricane Helen's aftermath in North Carolina, drawing comparisons to Hurricane Katrina and emphasizing community resilience. The discussion also delves into the limitations of current disaster management strategies and the fragile insurance landscape during crises. Innovative solutions and proactive planning are deemed essential as climate risks escalate and urban recovery becomes increasingly complex.

In this discussion with Edward Erfurt, Director of Community Action at Strong Towns, the focus is on the emerging Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. They explore how V2X can potentially improve street safety by enabling vehicles to communicate vital information. However, Erfurt emphasizes the challenges and risks, arguing for a balanced approach that combines tech innovation with grassroots community strategies for immediate safety improvements. Real-world examples illustrate the complexities of relying solely on advanced technology.