density dad is a reader-supported publication covering all things urbanism and the built environment. Topics range from housing and public transportation to land use, safe bike infrastructure, and building equitable communities.
Happy Thursday folks !
I’ve been recovering from illness and overall heaviness with this upcoming move. Frequency will be low as we solidify this move back to Charlotte.
This week I want to do a quick breakdown of some positive trends I’ve been seeing in urbanism so let’s get right into it!
Unlocking Urban Potential Through Engaging Content Creation
Content creation holds immense power in shaping urbanism by telling the stories of our cities in compelling ways. It has the ability to inspire action, advocate for change, and drive conversations around public transit, walkable streets, and sustainable communities. Through videos, articles, and social media, we can bring to life the challenges and triumphs of urban spaces, influencing policy and sparking movements. Whether you're a planner, an advocate, or a curious citizen, content creation allows us to connect, inform, and mobilize others toward building better, more inclusive cities.
I’ve posted about About Here, one of my favoite Youtube channels. It was recently announced that British Columbia’s building code has been updated to allow single staircare by-right. This is awesome news and what is even more incredible was Ravi Kahlon, British Columbia's Minister of Housing mentioning About Here’s founder, Uytae Lee’s video in the annoucement.
Content creation is rapidly flooding the advocacy world, transforming how movements gain traction and reach wider audiences. Platforms like TikTok have given rise to influencers like NUMTOT (New Urbanist Memes for Transit-Oriented Teens), whose humor and accessible content are reshaping the narrative around public transit and urbanism for a younger, more diverse audience. Other creators are using Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter to share insights on walkability, bike lanes, and housing reform, making once niche topics more mainstream. This wave of digital advocacy is changing the way we engage with urban issues, giving communities the tools to inspire change with just a post or video.
But why stop at content creation?
, the Happy Urbanist, just announced his run for City Council in his home of Chattanooga, TN. Jon Jon is one of the best storytellers on social media at the moment. His ability to break down complex concepts into something bite-sized and easily consumable has made a big splash and sure to translate well in city government.I had a hour or so conversation with Jon Jon last month and his page doesn’t scratch the surface on how pleasant he is. I can’t wait to see what he does with this influence on urban policy.
Who are some of your favorite storytellers in the urbanism space? Drop them in the comments below !
Express Routes:
Political Ad Sets New Bar for Cycling Normalcy and Livable Streets Cred - John Bauters is as cool as you think! (Streetsblog)
For Tenants, AI-Powered Screening Can Be a New Barrier to Housing - Things are getting ugly, fast. (CityLab)
Real estate tech illegally drove up rents, DOJ says - This is exactly how I felt things were going in 2020, love that it’s being looked into. (Morning Brew)
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My man, thank you for this. You have no idea how timely it is to hear this.
Good luck with your move!!