Isaiah Taylor, CEO and Founder of Valar Atomics, joins the Freedom Cities Podcast to discuss their game-changing advancements in nuclear energy. Learn about their $19 million seed round, their first reactor project in the Philippines, and how scalable nuclear power could transform American industry by driving down energy costs. Isaiah also dives into the regulatory hurdles facing nuclear innovation in the U.S. and the exciting possibilities for reindustrialization and advanced manufacturing. Don’t miss this electrifying conversation about the future of energy and freedom!

In this episode of the Freedom Cities Podcast, Edward Pinto discusses his work at the American Enterprise Institute Housing Center, focusing on the housing supply crisis and potential solutions. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing federal land for housing development, particularly through the Bureau of Land Management. Mark and Edward explore Freedom Cities as a solution to the housing shortage, aiming to make homes more affordable for first-time buyers. Pinto advocates for legalizing starter homes to stimulate economic growth and improve housing availability across the country.

Welcome to the Freedom Cities Podcast, a short-form series by the Charter Cities Institute & the Frontier Foundation. In each episode, we sit down with innovators, entrepreneurs & thought leaders to explore how Freedom Cities can drive innovation and economic growth.In our first episode of the Freedom Cities podcast, Joshua Abbotoy discusses his innovative approach to building rural communities in Appalachia, focusing on economic decentralization and the integration of modern amenities. He shares his vision for the future of these areas, the journey that led him to this work, and the potential for new cities that cater to the evolving needs of residents. Joshua emphasizes the unique opportunities presented by Appalachia's natural beauty and historical context, and how these can be leveraged for sustainable growth and community building.

In this episode, Nick Allen from the Frontier Foundation delves into the concept of Freedom Cities, highlighting their potential to rejuvenate American urban landscapes and industries. He explores the historical context of city formation in the U.S., the necessity of supporting emerging industries, and the crucial role of coalition-building among stakeholders. The conversation addresses regulatory reform, housing affordability, and the importance of federal support in making Freedom Cities a reality, offering insightful perspectives on reshaping America's urban future. Join the conversation!

Atossa Araxia Abrahamian, author of 'The Hidden Globe,' dives into the intriguing world of special economic zones and unconventional legal systems. She reflects on her upbringing in Geneva, revealing how it shaped her views on sovereignty. Key topics include the rise of citizenship by investment and the implications of offshoring asylum seekers. Atossa also explores governance challenges in conflict zones and the potential of charter cities, highlighting their role in reshaping migration, statelessness, and national identity amid geopolitical instability.

In this conversation, Kurtis discusses his transition from CCI to establishing the Africa Urban Lab at the African School of Economics in Zanzibar. He highlights the urgent need for new universities in Africa to harness the continent's demographic potential and improve education quality. The conversation delves into the challenges of setting up a university, the focus on practical skills in the curriculum, and the strategic advantages of Zanzibar as a location. Kurtis also outlines the vision for the Africa Urban Lab and the broader goals for CCI in the coming years. In this conversation, Kurtis and Mark delve into the complexities surrounding charter cities, particularly in Honduras, discussing the political risks, the importance of local integration, and the lessons learned from historical transformations. They explore the role of institutions in economic growth and the challenges faced by societies with fragmented ideologies. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the strategies for economic development, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of institutional frameworks and local contexts.

Imagine a world where cities are not just places to live, but dynamic hubs of innovation, specialization, and cooperation. What if the cities of today are shaping the political and economic landscapes of tomorrow in ways we are only beginning to understand? In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of urban development with Ian Goldin, a leading expert on global development and urbanization. Ian is a renowned Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford, where he directs the Oxford Martin School and the Oxford Martin Programme on Technological and Economic Change. In our conversation, we discuss the historical evolution of cities, the ways cities drive innovation, and the transition from manufacturing-based economies to knowledge-based economies. Explore the continued rise of major cities, the challenges they will face, the impact of remote work on urban clustering and economic geography, and how cities shape the politics of a country. Discover strategies for creating more accessible and equitable cities, why transport, education, and housing are vital, how urban policies need to change, mitigating climate change impacts through successful urbanization, and more! Tune in to uncover the hidden mechanisms behind urban success and the future of our rapidly urbanizing world with Ian Goldin!Key Points From This Episode:Discover how cooperation, specialization, and innovation drive the evolution of cities.Unpack the role of diversity and connectivity in driving urban innovation.Learn about the key historical milestones in urban development.Impact of the Industrial Revolution on urban growth and specialization.Insights into the political implications of urban concentration.How cities can successfully transition from a manufacturing-based economy.Unpack the unique challenges faced by cities in developing countries.The future of industrialization and urbanization in a rapidly changing world.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Ian GoldinIan Goldin on XOxford University Age of the CityThe Death of DistanceCharter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on FacebookCharter Cities Institute on X

Evan Osborne, Professor of Economics, delves into the evolution of economic liberalism in China, from pre-Western influences to modern times. Topics include the reception of Western economic theories, the impact of historical events, China's transition to reform, the Hukou system's impact on economic growth, corruption in modern China, and the dynamics of economic liberalism under Xi Jinping.

Imagine Africa built their infrastructure using the same systems as the Western World. Embracing sustainability is a critical element of building a greener future for Africa and the world. Leander Moons is the Founding Owner of Studio OMT Architects, a mass timber architecture and urban design firm working in Africa and Europe. During this episode, he joins us to chat about building in Africa in collaboration with local communities. We discuss the rising industry of mass timber and its potential impact on the future of construction. We explore the opportunities and sustainability considerations for scaling timber construction in Africa, and the various projects in development by Leander's firm in Fumba Town Zanzibar; including Africa's tallest timber tower. Join us for an insightful conversation filled with hope for the impact of green choices in Africa on the world beyond its borders. Thank you for listening.Key Points From This Episode:Background on Leander Moons, Founding Owner of Studio OMT Architects.What mass timber is and where it is predominantly used. Considerations for combining modern materials with traditional methods.Barriers to developing a more robust local timber production industry.Sustainable practices in Tanzania and capitalizing on the lifecycle of a tree.Restoring forest life in the plantations and forests that have been lost due to monoculture.Research into the new products of engineered and mass timber.Tree engineering, breeding, and designing and associated challenges. How Leander came to work in this industry in Africa.Promoting sustainability and local investment through landmark projects.The cost curve of timber as a raw material.A projected timeline of adoption for timber on a larger scale.How financing creates a blockage.Projects in planning including the CheiChei housing project.The importance of building sustainably in Africa and interacting meaningfully with the local communities. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Leander Moons on LinkedInStudio OMT ArchitectsCharter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on FacebookCharter Cities Institute on X

How do you take the positive aspects of Silicon Valley, and apply it to a radically different context like developing charter cities? Today, Jeffrey Mason, Head of Research at the Charter Cities Institute (CCI), is joined by Mark Lutter, Founder and Executive Director of CCI, and CEO of Braavos Cities, to discuss how the charter cities ecosystem has evolved over the past few years and what he’s learned about building successful coalitions. Mark tells us about the circumstances that motivated him to found CCI, and what it’s been like combining key features of Silicon Valley, (like entrepreneurial spirit, disruption, and innovation) with the challenging work of creating a coalition of different stakeholders — some of whom are likely to be relatively conservative. We discuss the broader ecosystem that CCI has been building, and how it can act as a force multiplier for other cities, before learning more about CCI’s most recent projects, including their endeavors in Zanzibar and how they are contributing to development there. Mark also expands on his new company, Braavos Cities, their long-term goals, and the work that they are doing in the Caribbean. We wrap up our conversation with an overview of exciting developments to pay attention to in the charter cities space, from Zanzibar to California, and how to gain momentum in politically challenging environments. Be sure to tune in for a deep dive into the evolution of charter cities and their broader ecosystem!Key Points From This Episode:Welcoming back Mark Lutter, executive chairman of the Charter Cities Institute (CCI).An overview of the factors and events that motivated Mark to found CCI.How CCI has adapted the positive aspects of Silicon Valley to the context of charter cities.Lessons from working with multiple stakeholders, including policymakers.Generating buy-in at the elite level of policymakers and other powerful constituencies.CCI’s goal to build a broader ecosystem that can act as a force multiplier for multiple cities.Key successes CCI has experienced over the past two years.Takeaways from their conference in Kigali during November 2023.Mark’s thoughts on recent news concerning celebrities and charter cities.An overview of the development project in Zanzibar and how CCI is contributing to it.What CCI is doing to increase the funnel of talent to Zanzibar.An outline of what they hope to achieve in Zanzibar over the next 25 years.Unpacking viable economic opportunities in Zanzibar and how they can diversify.Mark’s new company, Braavos Cities, and the work that they are doing in the Caribbean.How they get projects across the finish line in politically challenging environments.Advice on engaging with politicians, heads of government, and investors.Key insights on Braavos Cities, their goals, and what they are currently working on.What developments you should be paying attention to in the charter cities space.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Mark LutterMark Lutter Charter Cities InstituteMark Lutter on XMark Lutter on MediumBraavos CitiesJeffrey Mason on LinkedInJeffrey Mason Charter InstituteSeasteading InstituteNeWay CapitalPrósperaPaul RomerPaul Romer's TED TalkDaniel Yu on LinkedInWasokoAfrica's New Cities Summit Hosted by Charter Cities InstituteSilicon ZanzibarFumba TownStone Town of ZanzibarZuzaluTatu CitySmall Farm CitiesJon Vandenheuvel on LinkedInCalifornia ForeverPraxisCharter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on FacebookCharter Cities Institute on X