Small Steps, Big Changes: The Strong Towns Approach to Urban Planning

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Aaron Williams about the Strong Towns movement and its local group in Dover. Williams explains that Strong Towns was founded by civil engineer Chuck Marohn, who identified that North American communities were building more infrastructure than their tax base could sustainably maintain. The movement focuses on practical, data-driven solutions to urban challenges like street safety and housing crises.

A key concept discussed is the distinction between "roads" and "streets," - roads are designed for efficient movement between destinations, while streets serve as platforms for community collaboration and wealth creation. Williams argues that mixing these functions creates dangerous "stroads" that are neither efficient for travel nor conducive to local business activity. The conversation explores how Dover can orient its infrastructure toward constituents rather than just traffic flow.

Williams describes his group, Strong Towns Seacoast, which meets monthly at Juniper Kitchen and advocates for incremental improvements to Dover's transportation infrastructure. Their recent successes include supporting curb bump-outs on Central Avenue and advocating for expanded bike lanes throughout the city. Parker discusses ongoing projects, including pedestrian crossing improvements that should be completed by year's end.

The discussion also touches on housing policy, with Williams explaining how Strong Towns advocates for zoning changes that allow neighborhoods to adapt and grow while preserving character. Both speakers emphasize the importance of small, incremental changes that can be implemented quickly rather than waiting for large, comprehensive projects.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover residents' concerns in 1925 regarding a potential national coal shortage and the rising cost of living.