Building Beyond the Dream: Rethinking Homes, Community, and Connection with Diana Lind
Diana Lind is an author and urban policy specialist whose work is reshaping the way we think about cities, housing, and the future of community.
With a passion for creating more inclusive, connected, and sustainable urban environments, Diana is the author of the groundbreaking book Brave New World: Our Future in Smarter, Simpler, Happier Housing, which explores the evolving landscape of housing and the misconceptions of the American Dream.
Diana’s career spans multiple influential roles, from writing for renowned publications like The New York Times to speaking on stages about urban policy, design, and the future of cities. Her insights are not just theoretical but rooted in real-world experiences and challenges, and as a frequent speaker, she has earned accolades like the TED City 2.0 Prize and the ACLU Standup for Freedom Award.
She is also a visiting fellow at the prestigious Johns Hopkins SNF Agora Institute, where she continues to push the boundaries of urban policy innovation.
Raised in Manhattan and now based in Philadelphia with her family, Diana's journey has been shaped by a deep understanding of both urban and suburban life. She has lived and worked in cities across the country, gaining a unique perspective on how spaces can foster connection and community.
Diana is a powerful advocate for rethinking zoning laws, housing policies, and the traditional ideals of homeownership that often leave people behind. Through her work, she challenges us to think beyond the status quo and embrace a future where housing is not just a commodity, but a path to shared prosperity.
Her writing, including her popular Substack, The New Urban Order, encourages readers to rethink their relationship with the built environment and provides a roadmap for creating cities that work for everyone; regardless of income, race, or background.
Diana’s work continues to inspire a new generation of urbanists, architects, and policymakers, urging them to design spaces that are not only functional but deeply human, fostering connection, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging.
With a blend of critical thinking, deep empathy, and a relentless drive to create change, Diana Lind is a leading voice in the movement for smarter, more equitable cities and housing solutions.
Through her work, she invites us all to imagine a future where communities thrive not despite their differences, but because of them.
Key Takeaways
1. Reimagine the American Dream – The ideal of owning a single-family home is a recent construct, and it’s time to rethink what home and success truly mean. Let’s build a future where our homes reflect community and connection.
2. Embrace Housing Diversity – Explore new models like co-living, multi-generational housing, and accessory dwelling units. These options offer flexibility, inclusivity, and affordable living for all, especially in times of housing crises.
3. Address Housing Inequities – Housing policies are deeply connected to issues of race, class, and inequality. By recognizing these ingrained barriers, we can work toward a future where everyone has equal access to safe, affordable housing.
4. Support Community Wealth – Move beyond traditional homeownership. Consider community land trusts and shared prosperity models that ensure neighborhoods thrive together and build wealth for residents, and not just investors.
5. Foster Connection through Design – Our spaces can bring us together. By designing environments that prioritize in-person experiences, we create opportunities for genuine social connection and a stronger sense of belonging.
6. Engage Locally to Create Change – The power to reshape our communities lies in our hands. Get involved in local housing discussions, zoning debates, and development projects to create change where it matters most.
7. Challenge the Status Quo – Don’t settle for “this is the way it’s always been.” Whether it’s advocating for zoning changes or creating new forms of housing, challenge outdated systems and help build a future that works for everyone.
Quotes
1. “The American Dream isn’t a fixed idea, it’s something we’ve created over time. It’s time we ask ourselves: What does a real, connected life look like in our homes and communities?”
2. “We need to rethink how we live together, not just in terms of housing, but in the spaces that foster true connection - spaces that reflect who we are and where we want to go.”
3. “If we want to change the future of housing, we must start by shifting the mindset from ownership as wealth to shared prosperity for everyone in the neighborhood.”
4. “The power to change our communities is in our hands. Whether it’s fighting for more affordable housing or creating intentional spaces, every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.”
Connect with Diana
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenewurbanorder/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianalind/
Website - https://www.dianalind.com/