#37 Ryan Johnson: Culdesac - Building America’s First Car-Free Neighborhood From Scratch
In this episode, I talk with Ryan Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Culdesac, about building the United States’ first car-free neighborhood from scratch. We discuss everything from winning over the fire department with foldable ladders to building hundreds of units without building a single parking garage. Ryan also opens up about how designing for people—rather than cars—has paid off big time for both residents and local retailers, and why he believes autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing, and a passion for walkability will reshape cities nationwide.
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Walkability Isn’t a Niche Luxury—It’s a Mass Market Demand
The majority of Americans would pay more to live in a walkable neighborhood, and 92% of Gen Z is on board. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a tidal wave.Car-Free Living Works—Even in Phoenix
If a walkable neighborhood can thrive in a sprawling, car-centric city like Phoenix, it can work anywhere. The key? Thoughtful design, mixed-use spaces, and actual community-building.Parking Garages Are the Next Real Estate Mistake
Developers still pouring millions into structured parking are setting themselves up for regret. AV ride-hailing, changing transportation habits, and shifting zoning laws are making them obsolete faster than people realize.Retail Thrives When It’s a Destination, Not an Afterthought
Culdesac started with six planned retail spaces—now they have 21, and local businesses are thriving. Why? Because people actually want to be there.Building for Humans, Not Traffic Engineers, Changes Everything
The way we build cities has quietly been making us more isolated, unhealthy, and unhappy. Culdesac’s design flips that script—prioritizing gathering spaces, green areas, and human-scale density. -
00:00 The Need for Change in Urban Design
02:57 Introducing Cul-de-Sac: A New Vision for Neighborhoods
06:12 Designing Walkable Communities: The Cul-de-Sac Approach
08:54 Innovative Infrastructure: Rethinking Parking and Access
11:50 Financing the Future: Capital Strategies for New Developments
15:04 Community and Belonging: The Heart of Urban Living
18:07 Navigating Challenges: Working with City Regulations
21:07 Phased Development: Learning and Adapting in Real Time
24:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Construction and Costs
26:58 Market Dynamics: Setting Rents in a Changing Landscape
29:43 The Evolution of Walkable Neighborhoods
32:03 Creating Community Through Intentional Design
34:48 Retail and Community Engagement
37:59 The Role of Local Businesses in Urban Development
40:50 Innovative Urban Design and Architecture
43:54 Challenges and Surprises in Development
45:41 The Future of Walkable Communities
50:18 Leadership and Vision in Development
55:41 Advice for Aspiring Developers
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