Upzoned

In this insightful discussion, John Pattison, a community builder with Strong Towns, shares his expertise on the innovative concept of sponge cities. He explores how these urban designs, inspired by nature, aim to tackle flooding and enhance stormwater management. The conversation dives into the balance between ambitious infrastructure and gradual improvements. Pattison highlights real-world examples, like Copenhagen, showcasing how integrating green space can lead to resilient communities. This blend of nature and urban planning is positioned as a promising solution for future cities.

Data centers power everything from cloud computing to artificial intelligence, and they use a massive amount of electricity, sometimes even rivaling major cities. Watchdogs claim that tech companies aren’t absorbing the costs of this electricity use, causing rate payers’ electricity bills to spike as they’re forced to subsidize these data centers. Today, Edward and Abby discuss the far-reaching implications of this kind of land use. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “As electric bills rise, evidence mounts that data centers share blame. States feel pressure to act.” by Marc Levy, AP News (August 2025). Want to bring the conversation to your community? Book Edward as a speaker. 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.

Join Katy Claggett, a small-scale developer and commercial real estate appraiser from Kansas City, as she dives into Colorado's looming senior housing crisis. With one in five residents soon to be over 65, Katy discusses the urgent need for adaptable living spaces. Learn how seniors are trapped in oversized homes and the impact on younger families. Discover innovative solutions like co-op housing and shared living arrangements, and hear about the importance of community-focused advocacy to reshape the housing market for all ages.

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.