Charter Cities Podcast

In this episode of the Freedom Cities Podcast, host Carl Peterson speaks with three Wyoming State Senators—Brian Boner (District 2), Chris Rothfuss (District 9), and Dan Dockstader (District 16)—about the bold future of economic development in Wyoming through the lens of Freedom Cities. The conversation explores Wyoming’s unique challenges and opportunities, including how the checkerboard pattern of federal land ownership complicates development and how land swaps could help unlock much-needed access and growth.

In this episode of the Freedom Cities Podcast, Mark Lutter is joined by Patri Friedman, a pioneer in the new cities movement. As the founder of the Seasteading Institute and Managing Partner at Pronomos Capital, Patri has spent the last two decades pushing for new approaches to governance through the creation of innovative urban developments. They explore why Africa represents the most promising frontier for urban innovation, how autonomy and special economic zones can drive development, and what it takes to make new cities work in practice. The episode also addresses key challenges, including financing, talent, and how to build trust in unproven governance models. For listeners interested in the intersection of economics, cities, and systems change, this episode offers a unique perspective from someone who has been at the forefront of the movement to rethink how and where we live.

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.