Upzoned cover image

Upzoned

Latest episodes

undefined
Mar 19, 2025 • 49min

Can We Take Community Wealth Back From Walmart and Kroger?

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.
undefined
Mar 5, 2025 • 55min

What Does the Future Look Like for Tiny Towns?

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.
undefined
Feb 26, 2025 • 46min

How a Popular Development Practice Backfires on Homeowners

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.
undefined
Feb 19, 2025 • 42min

How To Handle the Looming Shortage of Senior Housing

The U.S. senior housing market is poised to shift from a surplus to a shortage in the next five years, as the oldest baby boomers turn 80 by 2030. In this Upzoned episode, Abby is joined by Norm Van Eeden Petersman, Strong Towns’ director of Movement Building. They unpack the implications of this market shift and discuss what building more options for older adults could look like. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “Aging Boomers Are About to Rekindle the Senior-Housing Market” by Peter Grant, The Wall Street Journal (February 2025). Read more: “Seniors Have Large Suburban Houses To Sell. Does Anyone Want Them?” (Strong Towns). “The Great Senior Short Sale or Why Policy Inertia Will Short Change Millions of America's Seniors” (Journal of Comparative Urban Law and Policy). Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.
undefined
Feb 12, 2025 • 40min

How To Reform Chicago Zoning: The Western Avenue Project

In this episode, Abby is joined by Chicago aldermen Matt Martin and Andre Vasquez to discusses the Western Avenue corridor study, one of the most ambitious planning efforts Chicago has seen in decades. It includes widespread rezoning reform, and it also addresses affordable housing, economic vitality and transit efficiency. The aldermen share their approach to rezoning, emphasizing the importance of a community-first approach. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “Let’s fix Western Avenue and make Chicago stronger” by Aaron Feldman, Chicago Tribune (June 2024). There are 6 easy code reforms that city officials can use to bring more housing to their communities. We will release a toolkit to help you implement these changes in February 2025. Get a sneak peek here and join our mailing list to be notified when this resource is available. Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.
undefined
Jan 29, 2025 • 52min

Why Massachusetts Might Sue Its Cities Over Zoning Codes

Massachusetts is on the brink of taking its cities to court over zoning codes that restrict multifamily housing near transit stations. The ruling highlights the tension between state authority and local zoning practices. There’s a candid discussion about the mismatch between transportation funding and housing needs. The hosts explore outdated exclusionary laws and the necessity for collaborative planning. Plus, a whimsical dinner anecdote adds a touch of humor, showcasing cultural quirks in a serious discussion about governance.
undefined
Jan 22, 2025 • 41min

How Homeowner’s Insurance May Change in the Wake of California Wildfires

California faces a homeowners insurance crisis as rising wildfires lead major insurers to drop coverage in high-risk areas. The hosts discuss the strain on government-run insurance programs and their potential to provide equitable solutions. They explore how climate change impacts insurance models and the emotional toll of property loss. Insights into the financial burdens on homeowners, evolving building regulations, and personal reflections on resilience add depth to the conversation.
undefined
Jan 8, 2025 • 39min

Is Life More Difficult for Younger Generations?

Kevin Klinkenberg, an urban designer and executive director of Midtown KC Now, dives into the challenges younger generations face in achieving a middle-class lifestyle. He examines rising housing costs, credential inflation, and the ongoing impact of public policy on affordability. The conversation highlights innovative solutions like shared living and accessory dwelling units, while reflecting on a shifting perspective of the American Dream. Klinkenberg also discusses the evolving landscape of higher education, emphasizing the need for adaptation in response to modern demands.
undefined
Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 2min

Motivated Reasoning: The Psychology Behind Big Municipal Projects

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.
undefined
Nov 27, 2024 • 44min

Urban Forests Are the Stroads of Urban Environmental Policy

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.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode