Optimistic Urbanist

I’ve always found cities fascinating. I studied architecture and real estate, then worked in urban planning, before shifting my attention to advocacy and my day job to tech. I’m a cofounder at Strong Towns, a national non-profit focused on finance, transportation, and housing, and I’ve served as Board Chair since 2014.

Working in tech is inspiring: you experience the creativity and innovation humans are capable of when they have the freedom to build. Our cities used to work like that too. In some ways we’re living in the ruins of an earlier civilization, one that knew how to grow cities by millions of people in a decade, building the engines of our economy. I’d like to bring that dynamism back.

I write about how and why our culture of innovative, upwardly mobile, human-oriented cities went away, and how we might unlock a better future by bringing it back.

Unathletic Alpine Enjoyer

I love living in a big city by the mountains. In the warmer months I really enjoy hiking with my family, but my very favorite activity is skiing. I’m having a great time teaching my kids. I’m not an athlete, but I find time spent in the mountains so uplifting, I just love being out there.

City life is great too. I live in a very walkable neighborhood, and love being a regular on the Main Street by our house, and seeing friends and neighbors at our park.

At home I enjoy DIY projects, especially building things. We keep backyard chickens, and I loved building the coop and run. Having excess colorful eggs to give away has also been a bonus!