In this episode of Upzoned, co-hosts Abby Newsham and Chuck Marohn talk about satellite communities — towns that are developed a distance away from existing urbanized areas. They also discuss the psychological phenomena that incline people toward big projects that may solve an immediate issue (such as housing) but will cause larger difficulties later on (such as maintenance debt). ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “Tewin's $590M infrastructure bill locks in 'forever sprawl,' councillor says” by Arthur White-Crummey, CBC Ottawa (June 2024). Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Chuck Marohn (Twitter/X).

Canada needs an additional 3.5 million housing units by 2030, and that means Canadian cities — as well as many others throughout North America — are facing the challenge of building more housing without wasting natural resources like mature trees. In this episode of Upzoned, co-hosts Abby Newsham and Chuck Marohn discuss this balancing act, the high value that trees bring to a community, and why sacrificing “urban forests” for housing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing those trees. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “Can urban forests survive the housing boom?” by Hanna Hett, Canada’s National Observer (October 2024). Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Chuck Marohn (Twitter/X). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

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 The conversation highlights unique challenges like zoning regulations and outdated infrastructure that affect costs.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.

In this episode of Upzoned, host Abby Newsham is joined by John Anderson, a builder and developer in Georgia, to discuss the Strong Towns take on “urban homesteading,” where cities sell derelict houses to people for $1 in exchange for a promise to renovate the property and live there for a period of time. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “Can Selling Off Homes for $1 Solve Urban Blight?” by Rowan Bridge, BBC (October 2024). Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Chuck Marohn (X/Twitter). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

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.

Seth Zeren, a founding member of Strong Towns, discusses the barriers created by professional silos in urban planning. He advocates for a transformative approach to city building that emphasizes collaboration across disciplines. Zeren explores the need for reforms in education to align with the collaborative demands of urban development. The conversation highlights the importance of dynamic leadership and local governance in creating thriving urban environments. Listeners gain insights into fostering teamwork for more effective city planning.

In this engaging discussion, small-scale developers Alli Quinlan and Bernice Radle share their experiences and challenges in incremental development. They passionately advocate for increased female participation in urban planning. The duo highlights the importance of redefining zoning laws to create affordable housing and foster community connections. They also delve into 'cute equity,' emphasizing how aesthetic renovations can uplift property value. Their personal journeys inspire creativity and collaboration, encouraging more women to step into the development arena.