Upzoned

Edward Erfurt, chief technical advisor at Strong Towns, dives into the slow recovery process in Los Angeles post-wildfires. He discusses the complexities of rebuilding in fire-prone areas, particularly the impact of suspended environmental regulations. Erfurt highlights the political and bureaucratic hurdles that homeowners face in securing permits. He also calls for a reevaluation of laws like CEQA to better balance environmental needs with urgent community demands during crises. Additionally, he draws parallels between human behavior and rat studies to shed light on recovery challenges.

In this lively conversation, Edward Erfurt, Chief Technical Advisor at Strong Towns, discusses the hefty $50,000 fee a milk facility faces for road use in Lincoln County, South Dakota. He and Abby Newsham explore the delicate balance between infrastructure costs and rural municipal budgets. They dive into the complexities of zoning laws and the need for better collaboration between businesses and communities. Edward also advocates for improved funding strategies to ensure sustainable road management while enhancing community engagement in the development process.

Rachel Leonardo, a video producer at Strong Towns with a keen eye for architecture, joins the discussion on the changing landscape of the American Sunbelt. They explore how rigid zoning and suburban sprawl are leading to rising housing costs and stagnation. Rachel advocates for innovative solutions that prioritize community resilience. The conversation also touches on the need for adaptable living arrangements and local initiatives to enhance urban vitality, blending creativity with practicality in urban design.

Today, Abby is joined by Bernice Radle, a small-scale developer and historic building preservationist from Buffalo, New York. They cover two developing stories: First, a new bill was proposed that would give the Buffalo housing court more power to sell or repair buildings taken from absentee or negligent landlords. Second, the Historic Preservation Fund is currently at risk. Bernice and Abby discuss how these changes could affect small-scale developers and historic preservationists. Bernice also explores how these two fields are closely linked and should work together to save urban spaces. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “Proposed bill would give Buffalo housing court greater authority over derelict properties” by Nate Benson, WGRZ (May 2025). “Preservation Under Threat: A Critical Moment for the Historic Preservation Fund” by Preservation Buffalo Niagara, Buffalo Rising (June 2025). See more from Bernice: Strong Towns Neighborhood Evolution Preservation Buffalo Niagara Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.   This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership, including member-exclusive perks.

Edward Erfurt, Director of Community Action at Strong Towns, offers insights into the emergence of Starbase, a new company town for SpaceX employees in Boca Chica, Texas. They explore the challenges and power dynamics of such a community, drawing parallels to historical mining towns. The conversation highlights the intricacies of local governance under corporate control and the potential for innovation in housing. Erfurt also discusses community engagement strategies and the importance of addressing residents' needs in this unique environment.

California's universities face a staggering $17 billion in deferred maintenance, highlighting a significant funding crisis. The discussion examines shifting generational perspectives between abundance and scarcity and how this affects higher education. Financial pressures are driving universities to balance growing student demands with facility upkeep amidst rising costs. Light moments about gardening and biking add a personal touch, while humor shines through initiatives aimed at improving urban housing readiness.

The conversation dives into President Trump's proposal to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, unpacking its potential impact on the housing market. With a focus on the historical context of these entities, the hosts challenge the narrative that homeownership is the ultimate ticket to wealth. They also discuss the contrasting economic experiences of younger generations in today's volatile landscape. Additionally, insights into financial market anomalies and a new toolkit for housing development reform highlight the pressing need for innovative solutions.

Join Edward Erfurt, Director of Community Action at Strong Towns, as he dives into the impact of large supermarkets on food deserts. Discover how policy changes in the 1980s allowed corporate giants to overshadow local grocers, altering neighborhood dynamics. Edward shares grassroots strategies for reviving community access to fresh food, including repurposing fridges for sharing and supporting local markets. Their conversation sheds light on building resilient communities and reclaiming wealth from corporate giants.

Co-hosts Abby Newsham and Chuck Marohn discuss the challenges faced by Victoria, Prince Edward Island, a town in Canada that only has 139 full-time residents. In an attempt to attract new residents, the town has adopted its first five-year development plan. Chuck and Abby talk about how very small towns like Victoria show the absurdities of the Suburban Experiment best — and feel its consequences most keenly. They explore what the future could look like for communities like this and emphasize the importance of embracing the things that make a specific town special instead of trying to copy suburban subdivisions. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “Population growth called 'critical' for the sustainability of Victoria, P.E.I.” by Sara Fraser, CBC News (February 2025). Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Chuck Marohn (Substack). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

Residents of a neighborhood in Colorado are confronting a $434 million debt incurred by their community’s special taxing district, which was set up by developers to finance the neighborhood’s infrastructure. A group of neighbors are now organizing to take control of the district’s board and try to bring transparency to the financial situation. In today’s episode of Upzoned, Abby is joined by Edward Erfurt, Strong Towns’ chief technical advisor. They discuss how using special taxing districts to fund developments is a common practice, how it leads to snowballing debt, and how difficult it is for residents to manage this kind of situation. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “The largest neighborhood of this Colorado city is $434M in debt. Neighbors are now seeking board control.” by Olivia Young, CBS News (February 2025). This Thursday, February 27, Strong Towns will release a toolkit to help city officials welcome incremental housing development. Learn more here. Become a member to join the launch livestream with experts Alli Thurmond Quinlan (Incremental Development Alliance) and Eric Kronberg (Kronberg Urbanists + Architects). Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.