Hello, John.

 

 

 

 

What if our places were built in a way that could slow the spread of disease without shutting entire states down?

 

Our vulnerability to pandemics isn't the result of urban density vs. rural or suburban space, as some have suggested. It's the result of all-or-nothing development patterns and centralized economies.

 

What's the answer? In this recent article for Strong Towns, Friend and contributor Spencer Gardner makes a case for duplicative growth—wherein new neighborhoods grow outward from old ones, each with the economic resilience to be somewhat self-sustaining.

 

After the pandemic, we'll have a choice. Do we double-down on development patterns that have historically squandered resources and made our places fragile? Or do we upend the status quo to rebuild in a way that makes us resilient?

 

If you want to help invest in a prosperous future, consider checking out our new free webinar series. We're bringing in planning and placemaking experts to discuss how to make the most of our return to society. They're open to anyone, regardless of membership status. Register for the next session, The Economics of Development 101 with Joe Minicozzi, for Tuesday at 1 p.m. (EST) here.

 

We hope you're in good spirits heading into this week. Keep up the great work!

 

 

– Lauren at Strong Towns