
Sometimes, a hot new story will cross our desks that we need to talk about right away. That's where Upzoned comes in. Join Multistudio's Abby Newsham, Strong Towns President Chuck Marohn, and other guests to talk in depth about one big story from the week in the Strong Towns conversation, right when you want it: now.
Episodes

Wednesday May 07, 2025
California Universities Face a $17 Billion Growth Ponzi Scheme
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Wednesday May 07, 2025
As of the 2023-24 academic year, the University of California faces $9.1 billion in deferred maintenance, while California State University faces $8.3 billion. In today’s episode, Chuck and Abby explore how this problem arose, how it mirrors the challenges cities are facing, and what it'll take to manage this decline.
ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES
-
“Inside a $17 billion maintenance backlog plaguing California’s universities” by Victoria Mejicanos, Matthew Reagan and Mercy Sosa, CalMatters (April 2025).
-
Learn more about the Growth Ponzi Scheme and how to evaluate your own city’s financial position.
-
Abby Newsham (X/Twitter).
-
Chuck Marohn (Substack)
No comments yet. Be the first to say something!