Charles Montgomery
@charlesincities.bsky.social
Author, Happy City.
Founder, Happy Cities. But speaking only here for myself!
Design + social trust.
🧠🏙️🌈🏔️
Founder, Happy Cities. But speaking only here for myself!
Design + social trust.
🧠🏙️🌈🏔️
Pinned
Hey Bluesky!
Here for evidence-based solutions on design + human wellbeing. 🌇
I'm the author of Happy City and co-founder of the interdisciplinary team at Happy Cities.
My next book digs into ways we can design the world to rebuild social trust. I'm excited to learn from you all.🌱🌃🌈
Here for evidence-based solutions on design + human wellbeing. 🌇
I'm the author of Happy City and co-founder of the interdisciplinary team at Happy Cities.
My next book digs into ways we can design the world to rebuild social trust. I'm excited to learn from you all.🌱🌃🌈
Reposted by Charles Montgomery
Since I wrote that, the "supply skepticism" argument at even the micro level has been thoroughly refuted; roundup of peer-reviewed evidence here
furmancenter.org/thestoop/ent...
furmancenter.org/thestoop/ent...
Supply Skepticism Revisited: What New Research Shows About the Impact of Supply on Affordability
Furman Center faculty directors Vicki Been, Ingrid Gould Ellen, and Kathy O’Regan recently released “Supply Skepticism Revisited”, highlighting the latest rigorous research that draws out the nuanced ...
furmancenter.org
January 6, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Since I wrote that, the "supply skepticism" argument at even the micro level has been thoroughly refuted; roundup of peer-reviewed evidence here
furmancenter.org/thestoop/ent...
furmancenter.org/thestoop/ent...
Choosing a title for my forthcoming book about designing for trust. Which would you buy?
1/ The Trust Experiments: How to rebuild our relationships in a world designed to divide us
2/ Escaping the Maze: Redesigning the cities, screens and invisible systems that shape our trust in each other
1/ The Trust Experiments: How to rebuild our relationships in a world designed to divide us
2/ Escaping the Maze: Redesigning the cities, screens and invisible systems that shape our trust in each other
January 6, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Choosing a title for my forthcoming book about designing for trust. Which would you buy?
1/ The Trust Experiments: How to rebuild our relationships in a world designed to divide us
2/ Escaping the Maze: Redesigning the cities, screens and invisible systems that shape our trust in each other
1/ The Trust Experiments: How to rebuild our relationships in a world designed to divide us
2/ Escaping the Maze: Redesigning the cities, screens and invisible systems that shape our trust in each other
That big house may make you miserable.
Excellent WaPo story featuring Happy Cities research. When it comes to happiness, your social life of your home and neighbourhood matters more than square footage.
Gift link:
wapo.st/49qfhDa
Excellent WaPo story featuring Happy Cities research. When it comes to happiness, your social life of your home and neighbourhood matters more than square footage.
Gift link:
wapo.st/49qfhDa
Column | Why smaller houses can lead to happier lives
It turns out asking “Are you happy with your home?” yields a very different answer than “Are you happy with your life?”
wapo.st
January 6, 2026 at 5:11 PM
That big house may make you miserable.
Excellent WaPo story featuring Happy Cities research. When it comes to happiness, your social life of your home and neighbourhood matters more than square footage.
Gift link:
wapo.st/49qfhDa
Excellent WaPo story featuring Happy Cities research. When it comes to happiness, your social life of your home and neighbourhood matters more than square footage.
Gift link:
wapo.st/49qfhDa
Chatbots are oversimplifying the world, leading us away from complexity and difference. The startup Freespoke offers an alternative.
Another excellent piece from @socialcohesiontech.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/techands...
Another excellent piece from @socialcohesiontech.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/techands...
Giving Up Googling - But at What Cost?
As chatbots replace search engines, our ability to engage with diverse perspectives may be quietly eroding
open.substack.com
January 4, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Chatbots are oversimplifying the world, leading us away from complexity and difference. The startup Freespoke offers an alternative.
Another excellent piece from @socialcohesiontech.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/techands...
Another excellent piece from @socialcohesiontech.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/techands...
Reposted by Charles Montgomery
“Survey after survey has shown that business owners overestimate how many customers drive to their stores vs walking or biking. In a 2012 Los Angeles study, more than half of the store owners on the bike-laned part of the boulevard thought most of their customers drove. The actual number was 15%.”
I read all the studies on the economic impact of bike lanes. Here's what I learned.
Research proves that bike lanes are good for business. So why do so many stores and restaurants still oppose them?
www.businessinsider.com
January 2, 2026 at 4:41 AM
“Survey after survey has shown that business owners overestimate how many customers drive to their stores vs walking or biking. In a 2012 Los Angeles study, more than half of the store owners on the bike-laned part of the boulevard thought most of their customers drove. The actual number was 15%.”
And so it goes…
“This could look like a user asking how much ibuprofen to take for a headache receiving a promoted ad for Advil in the chatbot’s response. Meanwhile, actual results on correct dosage may be brushed to the side, or buried under a mountain of ad text…”
OpenAI Reportedly Planning to Make ChatGPT "Prioritize" Advertisers in Conversation
OpenAI employees working on ChatGPT report plans to unleash sponsored advertisements above organic results.
futurism.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:44 AM
And so it goes…
“Mamdani went into more detail about the kinds of deregulation he supported to enable more housing construction, such as ending parking minimums and two-stair requirements.”
reason.com/2025/12/29/t...
reason.com/2025/12/29/t...
Is Zohran Mamdani coming around to housing deregulation?
New York's new mayor has moved away from some of his far-left beliefs, acknowledging that private businesses play an important role in homebuilding.
reason.com
December 31, 2025 at 12:19 AM
“Mamdani went into more detail about the kinds of deregulation he supported to enable more housing construction, such as ending parking minimums and two-stair requirements.”
reason.com/2025/12/29/t...
reason.com/2025/12/29/t...
Reposted by Charles Montgomery
Parking spaces can cost developers up to $50,000 each. Dropping the mandate to have them at all opens the door to cheaper housing and walkable neighborhoods.
Lessons from Denver where decisions to eliminate parking minimums follow similar moves in other cities: buff.ly/CONT05v
Lessons from Denver where decisions to eliminate parking minimums follow similar moves in other cities: buff.ly/CONT05v
Denver study shows removing parking requirements results in more affordable housing being built
Structured parking can cost as much as $50,000 per space, making housing more expensive to build and for those living there.
theconversation.com
December 29, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Parking spaces can cost developers up to $50,000 each. Dropping the mandate to have them at all opens the door to cheaper housing and walkable neighborhoods.
Lessons from Denver where decisions to eliminate parking minimums follow similar moves in other cities: buff.ly/CONT05v
Lessons from Denver where decisions to eliminate parking minimums follow similar moves in other cities: buff.ly/CONT05v
Thank you @rabihalameddine.bsky.social for the most soulful, funny, wise book I’ve read all year. I am still wiping tears from my eyes.
Friends, drop everything and read this gorgeous, devastating tale:
www.rabihalameddine.com/true-true-st...
Friends, drop everything and read this gorgeous, devastating tale:
www.rabihalameddine.com/true-true-st...
True True Story — Rabih Alameddine
www.rabihalameddine.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Thank you @rabihalameddine.bsky.social for the most soulful, funny, wise book I’ve read all year. I am still wiping tears from my eyes.
Friends, drop everything and read this gorgeous, devastating tale:
www.rabihalameddine.com/true-true-st...
Friends, drop everything and read this gorgeous, devastating tale:
www.rabihalameddine.com/true-true-st...
Reposted by Charles Montgomery
In Vancouver we have a generation of planners who did good work stopping freeways, densifying downtown, and rebuilding industrial sites
…but they’ve been wholly silent about their role perpetuating exclusionary single family zoning amidst an extraordinary land value bubble.
This is “Vancouverism”
…but they’ve been wholly silent about their role perpetuating exclusionary single family zoning amidst an extraordinary land value bubble.
This is “Vancouverism”
If the worst single-family house in your n’hood costs over $1 million, then your n’hood should be zoned for apartment buildings.
(It’s pretty much that simple)
(It’s pretty much that simple)
December 28, 2025 at 12:29 PM
In Vancouver we have a generation of planners who did good work stopping freeways, densifying downtown, and rebuilding industrial sites
…but they’ve been wholly silent about their role perpetuating exclusionary single family zoning amidst an extraordinary land value bubble.
This is “Vancouverism”
…but they’ve been wholly silent about their role perpetuating exclusionary single family zoning amidst an extraordinary land value bubble.
This is “Vancouverism”
A prediction for 2026: the news industry will finally realize that informal community information networks are the most functional version of journalism today.
www.niemanlab.org/2025/12/the-...
www.niemanlab.org/2025/12/the-...
The future of news is happening where no one is looking
"In 2026, more news organizations will understand that people don’t always want an article. Sometimes they just want clarity."
www.niemanlab.org
December 25, 2025 at 12:35 AM
A prediction for 2026: the news industry will finally realize that informal community information networks are the most functional version of journalism today.
www.niemanlab.org/2025/12/the-...
www.niemanlab.org/2025/12/the-...
I’m not really one for Christmas presents, but for those of you who work so hard to create better cities, I’d like to thank you with some public space inspiration from around the world. Several to follow. Wishing you all joy.
December 24, 2025 at 10:10 PM
I’m not really one for Christmas presents, but for those of you who work so hard to create better cities, I’d like to thank you with some public space inspiration from around the world. Several to follow. Wishing you all joy.
Two of the most powerful ways of reducing ghg emissions: drive less and fly less.
By building more walkable, lovable neighbourhoods, we can help people do both!
www.instagram.com/p/DSA4xweAab...
By building more walkable, lovable neighbourhoods, we can help people do both!
www.instagram.com/p/DSA4xweAab...
World Resources Institute on Instagram: "🌎A recent WRI paper analyzed 19 climate-friendly behaviors to reveal which ones reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions the most.
When it comes to c...
In a recent WRI study, 19 climate-friendly behaviors were analyzed to determine which ones have the greatest impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Learn about the most effective ways to make a ...
www.instagram.com
December 24, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Two of the most powerful ways of reducing ghg emissions: drive less and fly less.
By building more walkable, lovable neighbourhoods, we can help people do both!
www.instagram.com/p/DSA4xweAab...
By building more walkable, lovable neighbourhoods, we can help people do both!
www.instagram.com/p/DSA4xweAab...
Communications & business development coordinator — Happy Cities
We’re hiring!
happycities.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:07 PM
How Polarizing Is Your Feed? Now We Can Tell
One detail: "An average Kenyan user on X is likely to spend up to 21 minutes per day engaging with posts that attack identity groups."
open.substack.com/pub/techands...
One detail: "An average Kenyan user on X is likely to spend up to 21 minutes per day engaging with posts that attack identity groups."
open.substack.com/pub/techands...
How Polarizing Is Your Feed? Now We Can Tell
Build Up’s new polarization footprint, like the carbon footprint, lets us measure the divisive consequences of social media feeds.
open.substack.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:52 AM
How Polarizing Is Your Feed? Now We Can Tell
One detail: "An average Kenyan user on X is likely to spend up to 21 minutes per day engaging with posts that attack identity groups."
open.substack.com/pub/techands...
One detail: "An average Kenyan user on X is likely to spend up to 21 minutes per day engaging with posts that attack identity groups."
open.substack.com/pub/techands...
Why critics are wrong about Australia’s social media law.
We need this public health approach to social media here, too.
by the brilliant @jeantwenge.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/jeanmtwe...
We need this public health approach to social media here, too.
by the brilliant @jeantwenge.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/jeanmtwe...
Why the critics are wrong about Australia's social media law
Kids 15 and under don't need social media. They need adults to step up, and the world is watching Oz.
open.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Why critics are wrong about Australia’s social media law.
We need this public health approach to social media here, too.
by the brilliant @jeantwenge.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/jeanmtwe...
We need this public health approach to social media here, too.
by the brilliant @jeantwenge.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/jeanmtwe...
Reposted by Charles Montgomery
The marketplace has superseded diplomacy in Ukraine talks on.ft.com/4pMvusK | opinion
The marketplace has superseded diplomacy in Ukraine talks
Kyiv is having to deal with actors who treat reconstruction as a money grab
on.ft.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:14 PM
The marketplace has superseded diplomacy in Ukraine talks on.ft.com/4pMvusK | opinion
Self driving cars will mire cities in congestion.
Congestion pricing is the most efficient and fair solution, esp if revenues go to transit.
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
Congestion pricing is the most efficient and fair solution, esp if revenues go to transit.
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
Self-driving cars will transform urban economies
A robotaxi boom is coming. The impacts might be broader than you expect
www.economist.com
November 27, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Self driving cars will mire cities in congestion.
Congestion pricing is the most efficient and fair solution, esp if revenues go to transit.
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
Congestion pricing is the most efficient and fair solution, esp if revenues go to transit.
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
Reposted by Charles Montgomery
Again, NO evidence immigration = more crime!
On the contrary.
Yes, immigration is a complex issue. But any policy based on a fearmongering crime narrative (usually using dramatic anecdotes) should be questioned.
For eg: siepr.stanford.edu/news/mythica...
On the contrary.
Yes, immigration is a complex issue. But any policy based on a fearmongering crime narrative (usually using dramatic anecdotes) should be questioned.
For eg: siepr.stanford.edu/news/mythica...
The mythical tie between immigration and crime
Research by Stanford’s Ran Abramitzky and co-authors uncovers the most extensive evidence to date that immigrants are less likely to be imprisoned than U.S.-born individuals.
siepr.stanford.edu
November 27, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Again, NO evidence immigration = more crime!
On the contrary.
Yes, immigration is a complex issue. But any policy based on a fearmongering crime narrative (usually using dramatic anecdotes) should be questioned.
For eg: siepr.stanford.edu/news/mythica...
On the contrary.
Yes, immigration is a complex issue. But any policy based on a fearmongering crime narrative (usually using dramatic anecdotes) should be questioned.
For eg: siepr.stanford.edu/news/mythica...
Just as we must design cities to optimize health, we can also demand healthy designs for digital spaces.
Progress is happening (mostly outside North America):
How to Rethink Regulation with Prosocial Design open.substack.com/pub/techands...
Progress is happening (mostly outside North America):
How to Rethink Regulation with Prosocial Design open.substack.com/pub/techands...
How to Rethink Regulation with Prosocial Design
A practical new guide equips regulators and civil society to shape healthier digital spaces through a focus on design and user experiences.
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Just as we must design cities to optimize health, we can also demand healthy designs for digital spaces.
Progress is happening (mostly outside North America):
How to Rethink Regulation with Prosocial Design open.substack.com/pub/techands...
Progress is happening (mostly outside North America):
How to Rethink Regulation with Prosocial Design open.substack.com/pub/techands...
I promise this story will make you happy.
Burly German farmer provides sanctuary for gay sheep. The fashion world discovers him. Now gay sheep wool is all the rage.
Gift link below.
wapo.st/4idK5uI
Burly German farmer provides sanctuary for gay sheep. The fashion world discovers him. Now gay sheep wool is all the rage.
Gift link below.
wapo.st/4idK5uI
I love your sweater. Is it made from gay sheep wool?
Grindr partnered with Rainbow Wool and designer Michael Schmidt to create a fashion show featuring clothing made entirely from the wool of gay sheep. Wait, what?
wapo.st
November 20, 2025 at 6:10 PM
I promise this story will make you happy.
Burly German farmer provides sanctuary for gay sheep. The fashion world discovers him. Now gay sheep wool is all the rage.
Gift link below.
wapo.st/4idK5uI
Burly German farmer provides sanctuary for gay sheep. The fashion world discovers him. Now gay sheep wool is all the rage.
Gift link below.
wapo.st/4idK5uI
Nonprofit housing leader @wazaroff.bsky.social joins #Vancouver mayoral race, shooting for @onecityvan.bsky.social nomination: youtu.be/2MTf7QmcEpc?...
My name is William Azaroff and I'm seeking the mayoral nomination with OneCity
YouTube video by William for Vancouver
youtu.be
November 17, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Nonprofit housing leader @wazaroff.bsky.social joins #Vancouver mayoral race, shooting for @onecityvan.bsky.social nomination: youtu.be/2MTf7QmcEpc?...
On EVERY platform, low-quality, partisan news posts tend to get more engagement than high-quality news posts. So we all need to look in the mirror.
The study:
Divergent patterns of engagement with partisan and low-quality news across seven social media platforms www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
The study:
Divergent patterns of engagement with partisan and low-quality news across seven social media platforms www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Divergent patterns of engagement with partisan and low-quality news across seven social media platforms | PNAS
In recent years, social media has become increasingly fragmented, as platforms evolve
and new alternatives emerge. Yet most research studies a sing...
www.pnas.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:01 PM
On EVERY platform, low-quality, partisan news posts tend to get more engagement than high-quality news posts. So we all need to look in the mirror.
The study:
Divergent patterns of engagement with partisan and low-quality news across seven social media platforms www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
The study:
Divergent patterns of engagement with partisan and low-quality news across seven social media platforms www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Man steals a bus...then continues to pick up and drop off passengers like a responsible bus driver.
There's just something about public transit...
toronto.citynews.ca/2025/11/12/h...
There's just something about public transit...
toronto.citynews.ca/2025/11/12/h...
Man goes for joyride on Hamilton bus, passengers still on board
Police say the incident unfolded around 9 p.m. on Nov. 11, when a bus driver pulled into the McNab Bus Terminal.
toronto.citynews.ca
November 14, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Man steals a bus...then continues to pick up and drop off passengers like a responsible bus driver.
There's just something about public transit...
toronto.citynews.ca/2025/11/12/h...
There's just something about public transit...
toronto.citynews.ca/2025/11/12/h...