Humility Versus Hubris in American Urbanism

Humility Versus Hubris in American Urbanism

Author: Strong Towns February 16, 2026 Duration: 1:34:27
Why 95% of planners get it wrong, how monetary policy killed Main Street, and why Chuck Marohn is optimistic about Gen Z. This wide-ranging conversation, first featured on the Yeoman podcast with Geoff Graham, explores the difference between Jane Jacobs's humble incrementalism and Robert Moses's technocratic master plans—and which approach is winning in 300+ communities.   Additional Show Notes Chuck Marohn (Substack) Geoff's Podcast https://yeomanpodcast.com/

Each week, Charles Marohn guides a discussion that feels less like a formal lecture and more like a thoughtful chat with a knowledgeable neighbor. The Strong Towns Podcast digs into the practical, often overlooked details that determine whether a community thrives or just struggles along. The conversations here consistently connect the dots between sensible budgeting and the physical shape of our streets, parks, and neighborhoods, arguing that true resilience comes from this intersection. You’ll hear specific examples of how towns and cities can make incremental, affordable investments that build long-term wealth and stability, moving beyond short-term fixes. Rather than offering abstract theory, this podcast focuses on actionable ideas for local leaders and engaged citizens alike, exploring how everyday decisions about infrastructure and land use directly impact a place's financial health. It’s a grounded perspective on creating communities that are not only more solvent but also more welcoming and livable. The ongoing dialogue reinforces the core idea that a strong town is built from the bottom up, one block at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Strong Towns Podcast
Podcast Episodes
What’s the Best Career for Someone Who Wants To Build Strong Towns? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:57
In this episode of the Strong Towns Podcast, Chuck addresses a question he frequently gets from young people: "What educational or career path should I take if I want to build strong towns?" ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Chuck M…
Exploring the Role of Religious Institutions in Community Development [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:09
At the Table is a podcast that discusses how community-based ministries can contribute to the common good via mutual relationships, spiritual practice, simplicity and an awareness of God’s activity in communities. They r…
From Crime to Common Practice: How Fraud Dominates the Housing Market [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:23
In this special episode of the Strong Towns Podcast, Chuck talks about fraud in the housing market. He discusses how it manifests, how it gradually saturates the market and how it’s connected to housing bubbles. He then…
Build the Damn Train: How To Bring High-Speed Rail to the United States [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:20
In this episode of the Strong Towns Podcast, Chuck discusses the report “How To Improve Domestic High-Speed Rail Project Delivery” with one of the report’s authors, Eric Goldwyn. They discuss the advantages of high-speed…
The Traffic Enforcement Futility Loop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:56
In this episode of the Strong Towns Podcast, Chuck takes a look at a recent fatal car crash that took place in Ontario. Unfortunately, deadly car crashes occur all the time across North America, and this one might not ha…
Oh Crap! Dealing With Sewer Upgrades Is a Complicated Mess [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:08
Maumee, Ohio, winner of the 2024 Strongest Town Contest, is facing a big sewer infrastructure challenge. It needs to update its sewer system to comply with EPA regulations — an extremely large, expensive project. To hand…