Introducing, Small Bites.
Small Bites is a virtual training series delivering relevant and valuable tools on the implementation of small-scale development. Led by our diverse faculty, they’ll offer expertise drawn from real-life experiences. These one-hour “bite size” sessions are for people of all skill levels, from small-scale developers and local advocates, to policymakers. An opportunity to ask questions is included at the end of each session.
Time advertised is in Central Time.
Unlocking Walkable Development at Every Scale in the U.S.
Presented by Ryan Johnson
Developers can build the kind of housing Americans actually want— walkable, connected neighborhoods that improve quality of life and strengthen local economies. Yet decades of U.S. policy and zoning have made these places nearly impossible to deliver, leaving enormous unmet demand on the table.
At Culdesac, we’ve spent the last seven years proving that building mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods in the United States is a scalable model that delivers what residents and cities actually want. The success of Culdesac Tempe is changing the conversation around what’s possible in American development by proving that everyone wins — residents feel more connected to their communities, cities gain transit riders and vibrant local businesses, and developers can create the kinds of places people prefer.
This Small Bites session will offer a practical, actionable look at how Culdesac did it, and how your city or development project can, too. We’ll share insights from our experience building walkable neighborhoods that have helped us unlock value others overlook, secure zero-parking entitlements, and deliver connected neighborhoods with strong lease-up, vibrant local retail, and a culture of belonging that speaks for itself.
In this session, attendees will gain insights on:
Securing approvals for innovative development by learning how Culdesac successfully worked with the City of Tempe to build a community with zero residential parking while ensuring seamless access to mobility options like transit passes, e-bikes, and carshare.
Making the case for people-centered TODs by understanding why they are financially viable and attractive for developers, investors, and municipalities.
Leveraging transit-first design to enhance affordability, sustainability, and economic resiliency, attracting small businesses and building stronger community connections.
Intentionally designing space for small businesses, not just housing. Through our intentional design, we’ve enabled 20+ local businesses to thrive at Culdesac Tempe, including entrepreneurs transitioning from nearby strip malls, students launching their first businesses, and established local brands expanding into a walkable environment. In addition to brick-and-mortar spaces, Culdesac has supported many more small businesses and vendors through markets and community events.
Navigating policy, community engagement, and development challenges with key lessons from Culdesac Tempe’s journey that have made it a national case study in walkable urbanism.
Working with Culdesac - creative ways to partner with us and share opportunities.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Ryan Johnson, Co-Founder & CEO
Before founding Culdesac, Ryan Johnson was on the founding team of Opendoor, a real estate technology company that gives sellers a competitive cash offer on their home. Opendoor is now in 42 markets with over 100,000 customers served to date. Outside of Culdesac and Opendoor, Mr. Johnson has been involved in the real estate space for two decades through his own investments.
Mr. Johnson also has extensive transportation and urban planning experience with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, at Bain Capital Private Equity, and in work with city government in Chile. Working in Strategic Initiatives at the MTA, he helped implement Select Bus Service, a bus rapid transit service speeding the most congested surface transit routes and improving streetscapes throughout the city. Mr. Johnson graduated from the University of Arizona as the outstanding honors senior, and attended Harvard Business School.
REGISTRATION
Small Bites sessions are a complementary membership benefit for Associate and Charter Members. Become a member today! Non-members can register for each session for $25 per ticket.
Recordings will be sent to those who register following the session. This event will be held in Central Standard Time. Details will be sent to attendees upon registration.
Contact
For any questions, message us at training@incrementaldevelopment.org.