Peace and goodwill to you, John.

 

There are decades when nothing happens, and there are weeks when decades happen. A week ago, the team here at Strong Towns was gathering in Florida for a retreat. Today, we are like many of you: hunkered down at home pondering what comes next.

 

I’ve heard from a lot of you in the past few days – my email inbox is overflowing – and I want to thank you for that kindness. The reaction to reach out to others in times like these is a very human one, a response I don’t think social distancing can destroy. Let’s all lean into our humanity.

 

And while we won’t be physically seeing each other for a while (we’ve indefinitely suspended all events, as we should in this situation), we’re going to be in touch. There is so much to do!

 

I think we are about to experience the best human beings have to offer each other. I wrote about that very thing for you in my regular Monday column. In the couple of days I’ve been back home, I’ve witnessed an outpouring of generosity in my community. We’re getting reports of the same from Strong Towns members everywhere.

 

If you’re looking for a good book during this time of isolation, Rebecca Solnit’s A Paradise Built in Hell is one I’ve long recommended. It’s a study of how scores of local leaders rise to fill in the gaps when disaster strikes and the stability we thought was there vanishes. Here’s a Solnit quote:

 

“What you imagine as overwhelming or terrifying while at leisure becomes something you can cope with when you must-there is no time for fear.”

 

Expect us to aggressively expand the Strong Towns conversation during this time of transition. We’ve long said that the fragile nature of our development pattern would be exposed, that Strong Towns advocates would someday find themselves prompted to lead. It’s time.

 

The ramifications of the coming weeks will be felt for decades. Changes in financial markets, housing, pensions, governance, and so many other factors of life should be anticipated. We’re going to help you stay ahead of events, learn what you can do, and connect you to others that can help and inspire.

 

Stay home to the extent that you can. Check in on your neighbors. Keep yourself strong and healthy. Just like the oxygen mask on an airplane, you must be able to take care of yourself before you’ll be able to assist others.

 

Give prayers of gratitude because, despite the hardship, there is so much to be thankful for.

 

We’ll chat again soon.

 

Chuck Marohn

Founder and President of Strong Towns