Upzoned

Indianapolis is empowering communities through innovative programs that encourage local involvement in urban projects. Officials are promoting fund-matching initiatives and a lending library for tools to kickstart pilot efforts. The hosts discuss the challenges of adapting bureaucratic structures to meet residents' needs and highlight the importance of accepting failures in the experimental process. They also delve into the significance of community engagement and innovative urbanism as keys to improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

In this discussion, Jason Carter-Solomon, an incremental developer and commercial lender from Kansas City, shares his insights on small-scale development financing. He unpacks the layers of risk developers face, emphasizing the significance of understanding entitlements and building inspections. Jason highlights the emotional toll of navigating bureaucratic challenges and advocates for community collaboration. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the complexities of securing financing and the need for adaptability in fostering relationships with builders and inspectors.

Join the hosts as they dive into the debate on property taxes, exploring the implications of proposed cuts and the often-overlooked costs of city management. They argue against the abolition of property taxes, highlighting the benefits of a land value tax instead. The discussion reveals the necessity of sustainable funding for local services to prevent urban decline. Plus, enjoy a lighthearted banter on Twitter's rebranding and the challenges of engaging audiences online. Don't miss their humorous take on home maintenance hazards!

New York City's ambitious congestion pricing program has recently been scrapped, leaving millions invested and infrastructure ready. The discussion highlights political challenges and contrasts NYC's approach with successful models from London and Stockholm. There's a call for reimagining traffic management, advocating for improved public transit rather than tolls. The hosts explore how user behavior can be influenced by dynamic pricing and share insights on fostering urban livability through innovative transportation solutions.

This podcast discusses the YIGBY movement, where religious institutions use their land for housing projects. They explore the benefits, challenges, and broader mindsets surrounding this initiative. The conversation also touches on leveraging Facebook Marketplace for home items and memories of soccer experiences.

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.