Change can be scary and off-putting, and the construction of houses that don’t fit into an existing neighborhood — in this case because of size — can be a source of tension. But a change in neighborhood scale can be a good thing, as larger houses allow for important flexibility in housing options, like multigenerational and multifamily living.
Read MoreNonprofit organizations straddle the line between the private and public sectors, a position that some argue makes them a breeding ground for corruption. Is the nonprofit sector too poorly regulated and overly trusted? And what does this mean for local governments?
Read MoreWhen protesting zoning code reform, many people cite concerns about the character of a neighborhood changing. However, many neighborhoods only have their unique, treasured character because they were built before zoning ordinances were enacted.
Read MoreWhat is a city, anyway? Many problems in the urbanism realm boil down to people having different ideas of what a city is and what purpose it has. To be an effective advocate, make sure you and the people you’re talking to are on the same page.
Read MoreMany bus routes have moved away from traditional static signage to digital maps and schedules that can be updated in real time. But is this really the right move, or are there enough benefits to static signage to justify it sticking around?
Read MoreCan your city escape the housing trap simply through blanket rezoning? How should your city handle historic designations that are blocking housing development? Strong Towns President Chuck Marohn answers these questions and more in this episode of the Strong Towns Podcast.
Read MoreHighway expansion projects have a devastating impact of city finances while only providing minor benefits. This case study explores the financial details of a highway expansion project in Winnipeg, Canada, and discusses how people can take action to stop this kind of project.
Read MoreIt’s Member Drive Week here at Strong Towns. To celebrate, Chuck’s reading some of his best articles that you might’ve missed. Today, he’s reading “Most Public Engagement Is Worthless,” which explains why, instead of focusing on what people think they want, planners should focus on people’s actions and then adjust their policies to compliment the way real people actually live.
Read MoreNice, California, doesn’t have nice streets. But it could, if city planners started thinking about road infrastructure in a way that prioritizes safety and walkability over asphalt. Here are a couple of redesign options, inspired by a Crash Analysis Studio held in the city.
Read MoreJohn Pattison is Strong Towns’ community builder. In this special Member Week episode, he discusses the Local Conversations program, how it empowers people to improve their cities, and how becoming a member supports the program.
Read MoreFrom a dangerous transportation system to a development pattern that siphons wealth instead of building it, people who are trying to build stronger towns face many daunting challenges. The good news is that they’re rising to the occasion. Here are a few examples of how people really can change the world one block, neighborhood or city at a time.
Read MoreAs a Strong Towns advocate, you likely face a lot of opposition from rigid systems and even other advocates. This opposition claims that you’re not qualified enough to have an opinion or that you’re trying to change things in the wrong way. It’s easy to get discouraged by this barrage, but remember: there’s always something you can do to make a difference.
Read MoreLast month, Strong Towns hosted the National Gathering in Cincinnati. In this episode, Abby sits down with Strong Towns founder Chuck Marohn to discuss the event from his perspective, how it differs from CNU, and how Gatherings might change in the future.
Read MoreIn recent years, Strong Towns ideas have started permeating the wider culture at an increasing rate. But even as many cities and organizations embrace the movement and create real, positive change, others twist it to serve their own agendas. Now more than ever, advocates must uphold the true principles that build strong towns.
Read MoreThe Strong Towns movement is steadily progressing to the next phase of its mission. A substantial number of people are convinced of the principles behind the movement, and they want to roll up their sleeves and get to work. Here’s how to make the leap from building awareness to actually changing the default of North America’s built environment.
Read MoreBeing a member of the Strong Towns movement isn’t just about increasing your knowledge of city planning and what your town can do better. It’s also about allowing that knowledge to affect your own behavior. No change is cheaper than behaving in a way that helps everyone get home safely
Read MoreIt’s Member Drive Week here at Strong Towns. To celebrate, Chuck’s reading some of his best articles that you might’ve missed. Today, he’s reading “The Cost of an Extra Foot,” which explains why engineers love overdesign and what that means for cities’ finances.
Read MoreSecret projects. Preventable pedestrian deaths. False promises of safety and support. This is what we — as a movement, as a nation, as a people — are up against. It’s time for a change.
Read MoreBeing an advocate for safer, more resilient cities means going up against big obstacles and decades of momentum. It can seem overwhelming, but change is already happening across North America. Here’s how local heroes are making their cities stronger.
Read MoreOnce a city acknowledges that it can’t afford maintain its infrastructure, it’ll change its investment pattern to be more resilient….right? Actually, many cities try to make more money magically appear so they can continue that pattern. Here’s why “How do we get more money?” is the wrong question and what cities should be asking, instead.
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