The Strong Towns Podcast

Can New Urbanists learn from suburbia's success? In this special episode, Chuck sits down with CNU founder Andres Duany, who shares big ideas he says the movement isn't ready to hear. They discuss how New Urbanism captured territory in the battle for cities, why its failing to hold that territory, and where Strong Towns fits into the fight.

Additional Show Notes

• It's Member Week at Strong Towns! Join the movement today!

Chuck sits down with Carlee Alm-LaBar, Strong Towns' chief of staff, to talk about what it's like managing a growing movement that's focused on action. Learn how the organization is evolving to help thousands of members make real change in their communities.

Additional Show Notes

• It's Member Week at Strong Towns! Join the movement by making a donation of any amount.

In this special Member Week episode, Chuck explores Strong Towns’ strategy, from its origin as a blog to its future in 2026 and beyond. He then answers audience questions about Strong Towns’ funding, his advice for elected officials, and more.

Additional Show Notes

• It's Member Week at Strong Towns! Join the movement by making a donation of any amount.

You can also check out the video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/QG9mE3BtFac 

Today, Chuck sits down with Laura Foote, executive director of YIMBY Action. They dive into America’s housing crisis, debate the future of zoning, and explore what it will take to fix broken incentives and build more homes.

Additional Show Notes

• YIMBY Action's new implementation guide
• Strong Towns' new housing toolkit
• YIMBY Action (site)
• Laura's email: laura@yimbyaction.org
• Chuck Marohn (Substack)
  
  

Hey listener, you hear from us all the time, but today we want to hear from you. We want your feedback on this podcast and any other Strong Towns podcast you like to listen to. Please fill out this quick survey to share your thoughts: strongtowns.org/survey 

Chuck Marohn tackles 16 real questions from city officials wrestling with the messy reality of housing reform. From a lack of transit to competition from big developers, he explores the challenges of getting more housing on the ground.

Additional Show Notes

• Want to fix your city's housing market? Download our new housing toolkit, "Who Will Build the Housing-Ready City?" to get started.
• "Unleash the Swarm" by Daniel Herriges (e-book)
• Chuck Marohn (Substack)

Since finishing the Interstate Highway System in the 1990s, the U.S. has added 75% more urban highway lanes — and we're on track to double it again. Erick Guerra, author of "Overbuilt" and professor of regional planning, joins Chuck to discuss why we can't stop building highways we don't need and how our transportation funding system creates cities that are more dangerous and less prosperous.

Additional Show Notes

• "Overbuilt: The High Costs and Low Rewards of U.S. Highway Construction" by Erick Guerra
• Erick Guerra (UPenn site)
• Chuck Marohn (Substack)

Chuck is joined by Sam Quinones, author of “Dreamland” and “The Least of Us,” to talk about his newest book “The Perfect Tuba.” They discuss how a curiosity about tuba players turned into a deep exploration of hard work, community, and finding joy and purpose in difficult circumstances.

Additional Show Notes

• "The Perfect Tuba: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band, and Hard Work" by Sam Quinones
• Connect with Sam Quinones:
  
  • Website
  • Twitter/X
• Chuck Marohn (Substack)

Chuck is joined by Joe Minicozzi, founder of the geoaccounting organization Urban3. They talk about the impact of AirBNBs and other short-term rentals on housing affordability, how our tax systems benefit rentals while hurting families, and how our cities can get the system back on track.

Additional Show Notes

• Want to fix your city's housing market? Download our new housing toolkit, "Who Will Build the Housing-Ready City?" to get started.
• Joe Minicozzi
• Urban3 (site)
• Chuck Marohn (Substack)

Michigan is on the forefront of housing innovation, with many cities throughout the state experiencing a resurgence in population and housing options. Today, Chuck talks with Dan Gilmartin, the executive director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League, which was instrumental in this revival.

Additional Show Notes

• Want to bring more housing to your community? Download our brand-new housing toolkit, "Who Will Build the Housing-Ready City?" for free!
• Michigan Municipal League (site)
• Dan Gilmartin (Twitter/X)
• Chuck Marohn (Substack

Chuck is joined by Joe Minicozzi, founder of the geoaccounting organization Urban3. They compare notes on the highway projects each of their cities is facing and discuss whether these projects bring value. They also talk about how Airbnbs affect the housing market and whether they should be taxed as houses or hotels.