One Year in Review: Breaking Out of the Housing Trap
Our housing ecosystem is out of balance. That’s the central argument of "Escaping the Housing Trap," written by Chuck Marohn and Daniel Herriges. The book, which landed on the USA Today bestseller list, is being read and debated by leaders across the country. They recognize that, without a shift, their communities will struggle to support diverse, adaptable housing.
Last week, we released "The Housing-Ready City: A Toolkit for Local Code Reform," a resource for leaders who want to see their communities thrive by fostering small-scale, incremental development. It’s the first of three toolkits aimed at restoring balance in our housing system. The next will focus on empowering local, small-scale developers, and the final installment will tackle financing methods that work but are often overlooked. These toolkits are a way of testing for the small but significant factors that set up an ecosystem of success. Just as biologists study the interactions of flora and fauna to gauge an ecosystem's health, these toolkits allow us to examine what adjustments foster more resilient housing environments.
The need for these tools is clear. Housing, like any ecosystem, thrives through diversity and balance. As a frequent presenter on "Escaping the Housing Trap," I’ve met people across the country who are stepping forward to make change. Some, like members of our Local Conversations group in Delta, British Columbia, have found creative ways to reclaim control. One member built a senior-friendly home in her own backyard, trading space for stability and community. (Hear more about senior housing on a recent Upzoned episode)
Others, like Mark Gottschalk in Pensacola, found stability in a small, adaptable home. He’s proof that starter homes can shield cities from the housing crisis. These stories, like the slow return of an endangered species, show signs of hope.
But balance doesn’t come overnight. A year after the release of "Escaping the Housing Trap," and just over a week after the release of the housing toolkit, we know the path ahead is long. As Chuck Marohn wrote in "America’s 'Grand Housing Bargain' Is Broken," we need to rethink the system from the ground up.
The work ahead is not easy, but it is necessary — and no one has to take it on alone. Strong Towns offers multiple ways to turn ideas into action, no matter your background or role in the community.
For technical professionals — planners, engineers, architects, and others working directly on housing policy or development — the upcoming Housing Accelerator series provides a structured way to deepen your expertise. This series, launching April 7, will equip professionals with practical strategies to foster incremental, adaptable housing solutions.
For city leaders and civic organizations, hosting an "Escaping the Housing Trap" presentation is a powerful way to shift the conversation and build momentum for change. A Strong Towns speaker can help city officials, neighborhood groups and advocacy organizations understand the challenges of today’s housing system — and, more importantly, how to create a system that works.
For concerned citizens, individual passion is powerful, but collective action is even stronger. Joining or starting a Local Conversation turns a single voice into a movement. By connecting with others in your community, you can advocate for housing solutions that make sense for your place — together.
The first step is finding your role. Strong Towns can help you change the conversation in your community. The question is: Where will you begin?
Just as a fragile ecosystem can wither without the right conditions, our housing system is struggling under the weight of imbalance. But small, intentional shifts — like nurturing local developers, supporting policy changes and fostering community action — can restore stability. The seeds of change are already planted. It’s time to cultivate them.
