Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Sprawl

Strong Towns’ Chuck Marohn: Why Suburban Growth Is a Ponzi Scheme

Chuck Marohn cofounded the non-profit Strong Towns in 2009. Since then he has steadily built an audience for his message about the financial folly of car-centric planning and growth. The suburban development pattern that has prevailed since the end of World War II has resulted in what Marohn calls "the growth Ponzi scheme" -- a system that isn't viable in the long run because it cannot bring in enough revenue to cover its costs.

Last year, interest in the Strong Towns message surged and Marohn, in high demand, traveled to towns and cities all over the country delivering "curbside chats" about the need to build places differently. In this Streetfilm we provide an overview of his thinking about street design, land use, and transportation funding. For more Chuck Marohn, visit the Strong Towns blog and check out their podcast.

One of my favorite pieces of commentary from Chuck is this video walk-through of a "diverging diamond" interchange in Springfield, Missouri. As usual he pulls no punches, and he delivers the critique with a biting sense of humor.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

The New Uber-Backed Car Insurance ‘Reform’ Push Is Actually A War On Crash Victims

New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to limit payouts to crash victims under the guise of "affordability" and bogus claims about "staged crashes."

February 13, 2026

Friday’s Headlines Are Full of Hot Air

They done done it, as we say in the South: The Trump administration's official policy now is that climate change poses no threat to human health.

February 13, 2026

Talking Headways Podcast: Concrete Doesn’t Spend Money, People Do

Dr. Lawrence Frank shows how the decisions we make about the built environment are a symbol of why the world is so f'd up. A very special edition of Talking Headways.

February 12, 2026

Why Does Trump Wants To Punish Cities For Free Buses?

Hint: it's probably not to make anyone's transportation network better!

February 12, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines Come Together

A large coalition is urging Congress to protect funding for active transportation.

February 12, 2026
See all posts