Urbanism Speakeasy with Andy Boenau

Begin with the [photogenic] end in mind

Planners and engineers need to visualize the future human experience of their infrastructure improvements.

Mar 2 • Andy Boenau

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February 2026

Another necessary reframe for the transit narrative

The more people riding public transit, the fewer people clogging the roads in front of you.

Feb 22 • Andy Boenau

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Some states are making school zones more dangerous

Sometimes politicians just don't care about saving lives because they're worried they might lose a few votes.

Feb 15 • Andy Boenau

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Designing streets for the average driver is a mistake

A lesson about statistical ghosts.

Feb 7 • Andy Boenau

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January 2026

Ignoring basic math won't make math go away

For decades, it's been fashionable for decision makers to fund new roads even though we can't afford to maintain the one's we've got.

Jan 25 • Andy Boenau

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Don't underestimate the power of big ideas

Stop asking if people will ride bikes, and make them want to ride bikes.

Jan 12 • Andy Boenau

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The business case for stealing your house

and other fairy tales about the "greater good"

Jan 3 • Andy Boenau

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December 2025

The purpose of zoning is what it does

A system designed for order ended up shredding the economic and social fabric of American communities.

Dec 27, 2025 • Andy Boenau

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100 years of evidence isn't enough

Zoning needs a scientific revolution.

Dec 23, 2025 • Andy Boenau

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From dangerous folly to engineering gospel

As a certified planner, I'll admit engineers are right on this topic.

Dec 17, 2025 • Andy Boenau

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The anti-planning heretics can save planning

Planning Inc. would do itself a favor by considering why its heroes aren't products of Planning Inc.

Dec 9, 2025 • Andy Boenau

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Why everything turns to asphalt

There’s a King Midas aspect to motor vehicles, this technological gift that promised and delivered abundance until it became a curse.

Dec 5, 2025 • Andy Boenau

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