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Upzoned

Upzoned

Written by: Strong Towns
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About this listen

Sometimes, a hot new story will cross our desks that we need to talk about right away. That's where Upzoned comes in. Join Multistudio's Abby Newsham, Strong Towns President Chuck Marohn, and other guests to talk in depth about one big story from the week in the Strong Towns conversation, right when you want it: now.

Copyright 2018 All rights reserved. Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Why a Legal Home Addition Sparked Outrage in Fairfax County

    Why a Legal Home Addition Sparked Outrage in Fairfax County
    Dec 17 2025

    A multigenerational home addition sparked national attention and local outrage in Fairfax County, Virginia. Chief Technical Advisor Edward Erfurt sits down with guest host Norm Van Eeden Petersman to explore why legally allowed housing can still feel deeply disruptive — and what this reveals about zoning, design, and incremental change.

    ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES
    • "Massive Multigenerational Home Addition Sparks Furious Debate in Virginia Community" by Julie Taylor, Realtor.com (November 2025)
    • "The Monster House: Why a Change in Neighborhood Scale Isn’t a Bad Thing" by Emma Durand-Wood
    • "Multigenerational Living Isn't Immigrant Culture, It's Human Culture" by Shina Shayesteh
    • Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn)
    • Edward Erfurt (LinkedIn)
    • Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

    This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.
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    50 mins
  • Zoning Reform Is Only Step 1 in Fighting the Housing Crisis

    Zoning Reform Is Only Step 1 in Fighting the Housing Crisis
    Dec 10 2025

    Utah wants to override local zoning to boost housing supply, but allowed by right doesn't mean possible in practice. Abby and Edward dig into the hidden barriers — complicated permits, scarce financing, and broken systems — that stop housing from actually getting built.

    ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES
    • "Utah’s Governor Suggests Overriding Local Zoning. Could His Plan Solve—or Shatter—the State’s Housing Future?" by Allaire Conte, Realtor.com (November 2025)
    • "Why State Housing Reform is Failing (and What We Can Do About It)" by Edward Erfurt
    • Abby Newsham (X/Twitter)
    • Edward Erfurt (LinkedIn)
    • Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

    This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • What Happens When Official Decisions Clash With Community Traditions?

    What Happens When Official Decisions Clash With Community Traditions?
    Dec 3 2025

    Who decides when community traditions change? Lafayette, Louisiana, recently rerouted its Mardi Gras parade. The goal was to improve public safety, but the change left neighborhoods, businesses, and long-standing customs in the lurch.

    Guest host Norm Van Eeden Petersman sits down with Lafayette resident and former city staffer Carlee Alm-LaBar to explore how communities can navigate change while respecting culture and shared ownership.

    ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES
    • "Residents, krewes, downtown businesses weigh in on Jefferson Street Mardi Gras parade route" by Stephen Marcantel, The Acadiana Advocate (November 2025)
    • Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn)
    • Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

    This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
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