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

• 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

https://transweb.sjsu.edu/research/2165-Blockchain-Financial-Ecosystem-Infrastructure 

SFLuv Coin: Empowering Merchants, Empowering Communities

https://sfluv.org/

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 

Planning the Red Planet, Planning Magazine

https://www.planning.org/planning/2025/may/planning-the-red-planet/