In this podcast, hosts Abby Newsham and Chuck Marohn discuss the success of Dollar General in rural areas compared to Family Dollar in urban areas. They explore the impact of dollar stores on impoverished neighborhoods and the dynamics of the free market in small towns. The conversation also delves into polyvagal theory, pain management, and sensory responses, offering unique insights and personal experiences.

Monte Anderson, town builder and founder of Incremental Development Alliance, discusses the importance and benefits of incremental development in addressing housing crises. He shares insights on innovative real estate strategies like building townhomes on parking lots, advocating for affordable housing, and fostering collaboration among developers. Anderson emphasizes the value of personal connections, long-term sustainability, and meaningful work in community enhancement.

In this episode of Upzoned, host Abby Newsham is joined by Doug Barrick, the town manager of Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Rutherfordton was one of the contestants in the 2024 Strongest Town Contest. Barrick discusses what it was like to compete, what Rutherfordton is doing to become a stronger town, and how the town’s unique location and history influence those efforts. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Doug Barrick (LinkedIn). Rutherfordton (LinkedIn). Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

Discussion on the challenges within the nonprofit sector, including corruption and mismanagement. Contrasting performance management in public and private sectors. Uncovering the deception in food product marketing. Personal reflections on food preferences and dietary habits. Summer activities and book recommendations shared by the hosts.

Last month, Strong Towns hosted the National Gathering in Cincinnati. It was a two-day event packed with different speakers and sessions, with many advocates meeting each other in person for the first time. In this episode of Upzoned, Abby talks with Strong Towns founder Chuck Marohn about his unique experience at the Gathering, the process of choosing a keynote speaker, how the National Gathering differs from the Congress for the New Urbanism and ways Gatherings might change in the future. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Become a member today! Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Chuck Marohn (Twitter/X). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

This special edition of Upzoned was recorded last week at the 2024 National Gathering. Join host Abby Newsham as she talks to attendees about their efforts to build stronger towns. Interviewees: (0:00) Lisa Hutson, a business owner who’s turning an abandoned factory into a mixed-use community hub. (8:52) Sean Suder, a zoning reform expert who helps cities make their zoning codes more people-friendly and defensible. (18:40) Chris Wyatt, a transit advocate who’s working to make public transit more pleasant and useful. (26:00) Hannah Stanton-Gockel, a bike commuter who uses her marketing experience to advocate for people-centric city design. (38:41) Isaac Gonzalez, one of the National Gathering presenters, who discusses how to be a good long-term advocate. (50:40) Jackson Lester, a public transit planner who intends to combat the housing crisis through infill development. (1:02:15) Jaclyn Cheves, director of policy and partnerships for Blue Zones, who discusses how cities can become healthier places. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

The city of Cincinnati has pledged $200k to keep the popular bikeshare program Red Bike alive for another year. Joining us to talk about bikeshare programs and Red Bike’s financial difficulties is Bryce Mortera, a member of Civic Cincinnati. Are these programs really beneficial for residents? And if so, is there a more sustainable way to fund them than relying on sponsors?

Criminal investigation into RealPage for possible algorithmic price fixing in the rental housing market. Discussion on anti-competitive practices and collusion in raising rents. Exploring complexities of pricing items in real estate and the impact of technology on market dynamics. Advocating for housing policy reforms and empowering local communities. Delving into human behavior, brain evolution, and the importance of expanding empathy circles.

Writer Gloria Liu discusses the traffic chaos on I-70 during ski season, exploring the increase in cars, the early morning rush, and potential solutions. The conversation also delves into the relationship between nature and recreational arterials in the U.S.

Cincinnati is currently undergoing a significant planning reformation effort, which involves unveiling what’s being called the Connected Communities plan. It includes a number of proposed land-use-related policy changes that are intended to help Cincinnati grow, with the goal of advancing zoning code changes, as well as supporting diversification and affordability of housing and bolstering business districts. Here on Upzoned this week to talk with host Abby Newsham about the proposal is John Yung, an urban planner, Program Manager at the Haile Foundation, and co-leader of the Cincy host committee for the upcoming Congress for the New Urbanism, which (along with the Strong Towns National Gathering) will be taking place in Cincinnati in May. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “Mayor Pureval wants to redesign Cincinnati. Here's what that could look like,” by Becca Costello, WVXU (January 2024). Get your tickets for the National Gathering today! Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.