Episode 16 | Sep 2, 2025 - From Blockchain to Mars w/ Justin Hollander
In this episode, the Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the intersection of blockchain technology and urban planning with expert Justin Hollander. They discuss how blockchain can enhance community engagement, streamline public processes, and even influence future city planning on Mars. The conversation delves into the challenges of governance in space communities and makes bold predictions about the future of blockchain in urban design.
Takeaways
Takeaways
- Blockchain can revolutionize urban planning by enhancing community engagement.
- Current public participation methods in planning are often ineffective.
- Decentralization in blockchain allows for more transparent community input.
- Smart contracts can automate and streamline planning processes.
- Urban planners need to adapt to new technologies like blockchain.
- The future of cities may involve planning for extraterrestrial environments.
- Governance in space will require clear processes and transparency.
- Blockchain can help track the flow of funds in urban projects.
- Polymarket could provide valuable insights for urban planning.
- Innovative applications of blockchain can address inefficiencies in city management.
Sound Bites
- Blockchain offers a different way—input that’s decentralized, immutable, and transparent. Nobody owns it, nobody can erase it.” — Justin Hollander
- “Imagine your zoning data, permit applications, and environmental reviews all on a single distributed ledger—no delays, no mysterious queues, just transparency.” — Billy Riggs
- “With blockchain, cities can finally follow the money—where it flows, how it’s spent, and whether it actually reaches the people it was meant for.” — Vipul Vyas
- “SFLuv is like a dollar wrapped in local paper. Keep it local and you’re rewarded—earn it locally, spend it locally, grow your community.” — Billy Riggs
- “What do you think about a DAO for Mars? Governance managed through smart contracts might be the way we avoid dystopian futures in space.” — Justin Hollander
- “I just have one word for you: Polymarket. Transparent, decentralized betting markets could transform how planners forecast the future.” — Justin Hollander
- “By 2035, I think we’ll see blockchain IDs for transit, food, housing credits, even your driver’s license.” — Billy Riggs
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Blockchain and Urban Planning
04:37 - The Role of Blockchain in Urban Planning
10:02 - Public Engagement and Blockchain
14:00 - Blockchain's Impact on Urban Infrastructure
17:59 - Local Currencies and Community Engagement
22:25 - Thinking Beyond Earth: Urban Planning on Mars
28:58 - Governance in Space Communities
33:41 - Predictions for Blockchain and Space Design
Additional Resources
PAS 99: Blockchain for Planners:
https://planning-org-uploaded-media.s3.amazonaws.com/publication/download_pdf/PAS-QuickNotes-99.pdf
Blockchain and Distributed Autonomous Community Ecosystems: Opportunities to Democratize Finance and Delivery of Transport, Housing, Urban Greening and Community Infrastructure
SFLuv Coin: Empowering Merchants, Empowering Communities
The First City on Mars: An Urban Planner’s Guide to Settling the Red Planet
https://www.amazon.com/First-City-Mars-Planners-Settling/dp/3031075277
https://www.amazon.com/First-City-Mars-Planners-Settling/dp/3031075277
Planning the Red Planet, Planning Magazine