Course Description

Many communities struggle with maintaining housing that gives residents quality options at affordable prices. Neighborhoods in steep decline exist next to neighborhoods that are unaffordable, and dislocation is a constant source of social anxiety.

A Strong Towns approach is not a miracle cure, but it creates positive feedback loops so stress and opportunity can lead to productive local action. In this course, we will examine:

  • Why local housing markets are so distorted, and the impact this has on our stability and prosperity.
  • How to create the right market incentives to bring about productive development patterns.
  • How to systematically address neighborhood decline on a limited budget.
  • Specific changes to local regulatory systems to create affordable housing options.
  • Steps to foster a bottom-up community of builders to respond to local needs.
  • And more….

Participants in this course will develop a plan for local action that they can begin implementing immediately.

Interested in purchasing multiple licenses for this course? Learn about group discounts here.


This course is rolling out on a weekly basis. When completed, we estimate it will provide 6+ continuing education credits.

This course is included in the Strong Towns Academy Subscription Bundle.


Reserve Your Seat in the Course Today

$495

Creating Housing Opportunities (single payment)

Create your own plan for building a strong and prosperous place.

Many communities struggle with maintaining housing that gives residents quality options at prices that are affordable. Neighborhoods in steep decline exist next to neighborhoods that are unaffordable, with dislocation being a constant source of social anxiety.

A Strong Towns approach is not a miracle cure, but it creates positive feedback loops so stress and opportunity can lead to positive local action. In this course, we will examine:

  • Why local housing markets are so distorted, and the impact that has on our stability and prosperity.
  • How to create the right market incentives to bring about productive development patterns.
  • How to systematically address neighborhood decline on a limited budget.
  • Specific changes to local regulatory systems to create affordable housing options.
  • Steps to foster a bottom-up community of builders to respond to local needs.
  • And more….

Participants in this course will develop a plan for local action that they can begin implementing immediately.

6 payments of $85/month

Creating Housing Opportunities

Many communities struggle with maintaining housing that gives residents quality options at prices that are affordable. Neighborhoods in steep decline exist next to neighborhoods that are unaffordable, with dislocation being a constant source of social anxiety. A Strong Towns approach is not a miracle cure, but it creates positive feedback loops so stress and opportunity can lead to positive local action. In this course, we will examine: Why local housing markets are so distorted, and the impact that has on our stability and prosperity. How to create the right market incentives to bring about productive development patterns. How to systematically address neighborhood decline on a limited budget. Specific changes to local regulatory systems to create affordable housing options. Steps to foster a bottom-up community of builders to respond to local needs. And more…. Participants in this course will develop a plan for local action that they can begin implementing immediately.

About the Instructor


Daniel Herriges serves as Senior Editor for Strong Towns, and has been a regular contributor since 2015. He is also a founding member of the organization. Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota and a B.A. from Stanford University in Human Biology with a concentration in Conservation and Sustainable Development. After college, he worked as an environmental activist for several years, in support of indigenous people's rights and conservation in the Amazon rainforest. He can often be found hiking or cycling. Daniel is from St. Paul, Minnesota, and now lives in Sarasota, Florida. 

Other Featured Speakers include:

  • Charles Marohn - Founder and President of Strong Towns
  • Rachel Quednau - Program Director at Strong Towns

Course Curriculum (In Progress)


  Introduction
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  Section 1: Understanding the Housing Market
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  Section 2: Housing in a Traditional City
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  Section 3: Housing Under the Suburban Experiment
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  Section 4: Artificially Induced Decline
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  Section 5: The Trickle or the Fire Hose
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  Section 6: The Missing Middle and Incremental Development
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  Section 7: Zoning and the Housing Market
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