Small‑Town Housing, Big Feelings

Small‑Town Housing, Big Feelings

From The Bottom-Up Revolution by Strong Towns

June 4, 2026 · 44 min · Episode 255

About this episode

The episode discusses housing debates in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, focusing on community efforts to reform zoning and accommodate more residents.

In Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, housing debates are tied to favorite trees, familiar views, flood scars, and whether younger residents can afford to stay. Planning commissioner and neighborhood organizer Taylor Lightman talks about what it’s like to rewrite zoning in the same place you grew up. He explains how a housing committee rallied around ADUs, why they rolled back strict parking and owner‑occupancy rules, and how they worked through worries about students, flooding, and change itself. The conversation paints a detailed picture of housing reform in a small town that wants to welcome more neighbors without losing its character. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Taylor Lightman (LinkedIn) Not Just Bikes & Strong Towns Youtube Playlist (Youtube) Local Recommendations:‍ Mondragon Books Lewisburg Farmers Market Campus Theatre Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram) Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here! This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you! Join fellow members discussing this episode in The Commons.

People in this episode

Host: Strong Towns

Guest: Taylor Lightman

Topics covered

  • housing reform
  • zoning
  • small towns
  • community planning
  • affordable housing

Keywords

  • housing debates
  • ADUs
  • zoning reform
  • small-town character
  • community organizing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Strong Towns, Not Just Bikes

Places: Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Lewisburg Farmers Market, Campus Theatre

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