New Zealand Keynote Planning In A World Of Limits

New Zealand Keynote Planning In A World Of Limits

Author: Strong Towns April 24, 2026 Duration: 44:55
Speaking to planners in New Zealand, Chuck Marohn connects the country’s adopted infrastructure plan with a global pattern of cities that have grown themselves into insolvency. He traces the shift from incremental, pre‑Depression neighborhoods to postwar sprawl and explores what it looks like for planners to stop chasing the next expansion and start making better use of what’s already built. Additional Show Notes Te Waihanga (Site) Te Waihanga National Infrastructure Plan (Site) Chuck Marohn (Substack)   This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you!

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
A Shared Identity Makes Cities Strong. Here's How To Find Yours. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:55
Strong cities know who they are. In today's episode, Chuck is joined by Ryan Short, founder of Civic Brand. They discuss how uncovering a shared identity guides smarter decisions, strengthens civic pride, and helps commu…
Why American Cities Are Going Broke (And How To Fix It) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:02
Chuck breaks down the financial math behind urban decline in this live recording of a Wilmington event, with opening remarks from Delaware Governor Matt Meyer. Learn why growth is bankrupting your city — and how to rever…
Has the "American Dream" Made Us Miserable? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:43
Author Diane Alisa just wanted her kids to have what she didn't: freedom to roam, community, and a childhood that doesn't require a minivan. Somewhere along the way, she realized the suburban dream itself might be the pr…
Momentum Is Building for Stronger Communities. What's Next? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:15
Chuck records from the road after speaking at a housing summit in Pennsylvania. He reflects on why the Strong Towns message resonates with local officials struggling to address the housing crisis, as well as the challeng…
How Bottom-Up Action Is Connecting People Across the World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:37
Strong Towns members are making their places stronger everywhere from the Bahamas to Mongolia. Chuck and Member Advocate Norm Van Eeden Petersman discuss how people in Colombia and Uganda can speak the same language abou…
Did New Urbanism Win the Debate But Lose the War? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:01
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 captur…
How Strong Towns Is Scaling From Content to Action [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:04
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…
What is Happening With Strong Towns? Strategy Discussion and Q&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:59
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 elect…
Broken Incentives Made the Housing Crisis. How Do We Fix Them? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:34
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 hom…
Housing Q&A: 16 Questions on Incremental Housing Development [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:17
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…