Charles Marohn, president and founder of Strong Towns, will present at a two-day housing event in St. Joseph, Michigan, on December 12-13, 2024.

LOCATION: Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, Frederick S Upton Foundation Education Center Pavilion | DATE: December 12-13, 2024 

The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, in collaboration with the Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS®, is proud to host the “Escaping the Housing Trap” summit, a two-day event aimed at addressing the region's growing housing crisis. The summit will feature best-selling author and Strong Towns founder Charles (Chuck) Marohn.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how policy decisions impact housing accessibility and affordability. They will walk away with practical tools to combat the negative cycles that drive up prices and limit availability, empowering them to create a more balanced and sustainable housing market.

Thursday, December 12, 5 - 7:30 p.m. This evening session will feature a keynote presentation and book signing by Marohn. The keynote will provide an in-depth look at the tension between housing as a financial asset and housing as a fundamental necessity — a theme central to Marohn’s work. A Q&A session and networking opportunities will follow the presentation.

Friday, December 13, 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. This half-day workshop will include discussions and collaborative planning sessions led by Marohn himself. These will cover topics such as the Strong Towns approach to sustainable development, incremental housing and pre-approved building plans, zoning and ordinance reform, and the elimination of parking minimums.

General admission tickets are $20.