This week’s things to know:

Buttigieg Emphasizes He’ll Bring Local Perspective to Top Transportation Job (Route Fifty) 

I've been interested to see who President Biden was going to appoint for his Cabinet, but I was especially curious about who he'd select to lead the USDOT. An update to the federal transportation system is long overdue, especially as it relates to the types of projects funded, where the funds come from, and streamlining the process. I think the President hit a home run with his pick of Pete Buttigieg. "Mayor Pete" has been a strong champion of the #visionzero, "fixitfirst" (prioritize maintenance of existing facilities over building new), and #nonewroads movements, understands what local leaders need from the federal system, and knows that solutions need to be explored and implemented from the bottom up. Here's hoping he'll be the one who finally gets our federal transportation program out of the 1950s. -Kevin

Shipping containers will be used for affordable Dallas housing project (Dallas Morning News) 

I have always been fascinated by the introduction of materials to everyday construction that are not a part of the laymans construction ideals. These shipping container homes will be different from all the other inventory in the city, but will serve a good purpose in being attainable at all price points. I am hopeful for all that is to come from this project, I imagine that with the success of this project and the increased population in the DFW area there will be more need and a good record for this type of inventory to continue and grow into a part of the fabric that makes the area what it is. -Ryan 

Can a nation of strong towns compete in a globalized world? (And how much should that matter?) (StrongTowns) 

We've become known as a group that "helps communities put Strong Towns principles into practice". (If you're not familiar with Strong Towns, check them out at www.strongtowns.org) As we've worked over the years to understand and implement development that is financially strong and resilient, we've gotten our share of questions and resistance from city leaders and residents. We have our own answers, but in this piece and a previous one that's linked at the top of this one, Strong Towns President Chuck Marohn answers some of the most common ones he's gotten from their work and his recent book, Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity. -Kevin

How Empty Shopping Centers Could Be a Housing Fix (CityLab)

When it comes to the housing market in California, it seems as though every week there is something new about a potential repurposing or large-scale infill project to create more inventory for already populous areas in the south of the state. Here there is mention of the idea to convert empty shopping centers, malls, etc. in order to be a housing fix. In the Dallas area the Collin Creek Mall comes to mind as a project that had similar potential in the past and is being redeveloped currently. Is there a need for such infill in your community? Is there an area in your town that could be repurposed for affordable housing or a sustainable neighborhood? -Ryan

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