This extended-length ASTA session brought together Strong Towns members and advocates to explore the practical challenges and strategies surrounding housing reform—from addressing zoning barriers like minimum lot sizes and setbacks, to financing ADUs, and building support for incremental development.
We tackled the myth of “the suburban ideal” for families, shared key resources like the Housing Ready Map and infill success stories, and dug into policy tools including spot zoning, land trusts, and System Development Charges (DCCs/CACs).
Participants from across North America asked questions and swapped insights on how to navigate political resistance, shift narratives in small towns and rural areas, and equip local leaders with compelling messaging. If you're trying to take real steps toward housing reform in your town—especially around infill, small developer ecosystems, or working with city councils—this session is full of practical takeaways, powerful questions, and community-powered energy.
🧰 Housing Reform + Land Use Resources
Housing Ready Map
An interactive map showcasing cities across North America making real progress toward more flexible, incremental housing.
What Is a House?
A reflection on what defines a house and how outdated codes restrict natural housing evolution.
The South Street Cottages Project
A case study in turning 7 single-family homes into 28 units using small-lot development.
Why Infill Is So Hard
Explains how local processes and codes make infill development needlessly difficult, despite its value for affordability and sustainability.
Minimum Lot Size Requirements Are Fueling the Crisis
Shows how mandatory minimum lot sizes lead to inflated housing costs and reduced flexibility.
Do Minimum Lot Size Rules Matter? – Nolan Gray
A breakdown of how these rules affect affordability, land use, and neighborhood design.
The What-If Game of New Apartments
A practical piece on countering worst-case-scenario thinking in public conversations about new housing.
Leon Krier Sketch on Overbuilding and Site Design
A sketch that illustrates how modern zoning leads to oversized homes and underutilized land, often leaving no room for additional dwellings.
🏘️ Suburb Myths + Preference Debates
The Myth of Revealed Preference for the Suburbs – Joe Cortright
A rebuttal to the argument that people "prefer" suburbs, showing how limited options shape outcomes.
Busting 4 Myths About the Suburbs – Rachel Quednau
A concise summary of the most common—and misleading—arguments used to justify the suburban development pattern.
Strong Towns YouTube Channel
A full archive of Strong Towns videos, including explainers, interviews, movement stories, and training materials.
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