Construction Impacts, Homelessness, the Municipal 'Cold Shoulder', and More | Edward Erfurt | September 20, 2024

Another "reader mailbag" session with several great questions submitted by members. 

📌Members of Strong Towns benefit from regular opportunities to ask questions of Chuck Marohn and the Strong Towns team. Become a member at https://www.strongtowns.org/membership

Homelessness

On the topic of homelessness, we have put together a lot of resources related to this and I've added some more detail for things that cities in particular can do: https://actionlab.strongtowns.org/hc/en-us/articles/360058317551-Homelessness-Core-Insights

The Municipal "Cold Shoulder"

What can we do if the city ignores or denies our participation/petitions to urbanism?

When faced with a lack of response or outright denial from city officials, it can be frustrating and disheartening. However, there are several strategies and resources available to help you press for change effectively:

1. Understanding the Technical Brush-Off:

   • The Technical Brush-Off and How to Fight It: This article discusses common tactics used by city officials to dismiss public input and offers strategies to counteract them.

2. Illustrating Investment Potential:

   • Illustrating Investment Potential in Your Neighborhood: Learn how to showcase the potential benefits of investing in your community to gain support. Show that there is a lot more capacity already present in your community.

3. Starting or Joining a Local Conversation:

   • Local Conversation: The first step to creating a movement for change is to start or join a local conversation. This platform helps you connect with like-minded individuals in your area.

4. Mobilizing Your Community:

   • There’s a Course for That: Mobilizing Your Community to Become a Strong Town: Strong Towns offers a course designed to help you mobilize your community and drive change.

5. Conducting Walking Audits:

   • Walking Audit or Neighborhood Walk: In the session, Eric described the walking tour he conducted and the impact of neighborhood walks or walking audits.
   • Guide for Walking Audits: This guide provides detailed instructions on how to conduct effective walking audits.

6. Using Powerful Phrases:

   • Learn the 4-Step Process for Public Investment: Local Motive Action Guide: Remember, phrases like “I like my town because…” can be extremely powerful in garnering support and attention.
   • Check out Tristan Cleveland's powerful piece on connecting at the local level -- even with people who vociferously disagree with you. Remember, there's no single incantation that will transform someone's mind. 

By leveraging these resources and strategies, you can build a stronger case for your cause and increase the likelihood of being heard by city officials. Don’t give up—persistent and well-organized efforts can lead to meaningful change.

The Impacts of Construction on Me and My Neighbors

A reader submitted this question:

"The developer of our current subdivision is building another subdivision next door and currently holds a 4 to 1 vote over our HOA. He is allowing construction trucks (bulldozers, dirt trucks, etc.) to pass through our neighborhood. We are seeking help or legal advice on any precedent that would allow us as an HOA to stop these construction trucks from using our roads."

1. Is Strong Towns NIMBY, YIMBY, or What?

   • This article explores the different perspectives on urban development and how communities can balance growth with maintaining their character.
2. The End of Incrementalism:
   • This piece discusses the importance of incremental development and how it can lead to more sustainable and resilient communities.
3. He Ain't Nimby - He's My Brother
4. The Neighbor Paradox

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