Crypto News: The car influencer fighting for walkable cities

Car enthusiasm and urbanism are often framed as opposing forces. But Matt Farah, one of the biggest automotive influencers today, is challenging this dichotomy. The Los Angeles-based host of "The Smoking Tire," with over 1 million subscribers on YouTube, is an outspoken advocate for transportation reform — a passion that stems from his encounter with mandatory parking minimums back in 2016.

Between reviews of Lamborghinis and McLarens, Farah regularly discusses urban policy on his podcast, hosting academics alongside car experts. He's not alone; other influential gearheads like former "Top Gear" host James May have similarly embraced transit and density, reaching audiences that traditional urbanists might miss. Today on CityLab: Why Car YouTuber Matt Farah Is Fighting for Walkable Cities

More on CityLab

To Fuel Affordable Housing, This Innovation Fund Targets Predevelopment Costs
A new fund that pays for upfront soft costs associated with affordable housing may provide more stability for the developer and faster returns for investors.

Backyard Micro-Flats Aim to Ease South Africa's Housing Crisis
A startup is fronting the costs for homeowners to become landlords as part of a broader effort to expand affordable housing in poor townships.

Canada's Prime Minister Pushes Country to Become the Housing Factory of the World
Mark Carney is banking on factory-built homes to alleviate the country's housing crisis. But will it work?

What we're reading

Which cities have the most trees? See how yours stacks up. (Washington Post)
A coastal New England town's 'Ornery' Vandal: A woodpecker (New York Times)
Clean energy breakthroughs could save the world. How do we create more of them? (Vox)
Environmental groups say Trump administration violated their free-speech rights (NPR)
Vandals chainsaw dozens of trees across downtown LA (Los Angeles Times)