Nat M. Zorach, Author at The Handbuilt City

midjourney AI rendering of splotchy steel mill

Art & Design Tech

March 10, 2023 Nat M. Zorach

Midjourney AI: Escaping Down The Rabbit Hole

In recent weeks, I’ve done a cannonball off the high-dive into the deep end of the world of what I

midjourney ai comic book art, 1930s style

Data & Analytics Energy Policy Utilities

March 6, 2023 Nat M. Zorach

Can Utilities Be Held Financially Liable For Outages?

In the aftermath of recent power outages that saw as much as 20% of the population of the state of Michigan without power, this article outlines some ideas on what specific things we should be asking about or thinking about in trying to hold utilities accountable.

Climate Energy Infrastructure Michigan Utilities

March 5, 2023 Nat M. Zorach

The Anatomy of a Power Outage in Michigan

The power went out. Then the ice melted. A few days later, the snow came, and the power went out– again. Now that the snow is gone, what’s next?

Business & Economics Small Business

February 22, 2023 Nat M. Zorach

The Mom & Pop Stores Are Dead. Long Live The Mom & Pop Stores.

We’re constantly being told that the age of Amazon has arrived, and mom-and-pop hardware stores are dead, forever. There are elements of truth to this. But there is an eternal flame burning within the model of small, independent business– that is unlikely to ever be extinguished, no matter how big companies like Amazon or Home Depot may become.

Affordable housing Housing Real Estate Urban Planning

February 6, 2023 Nat M. Zorach

Will California Get Out Of Its Own Way?

The Bear Republic has been bearish on housing prospects. But a new bill could change that– provided the state and its residents can shake off its affinity for car-dependent suburban sprawl.

Energy Energy Efficiency Midwest Science & Research

January 25, 2023 Nat M. Zorach

Remembering George Crabtree (1944-2023)

The energy sector lost a giant this week in the passing of Dr. George Crabtree, who was one of the

cocoa brown dog cavalier king charles spaniel in corktown detroit lying on the back porch.

Affordable housing Housing Policy Poverty

January 12, 2023 Nat M. Zorach

Right-To-Renew, And Other Things

Gentrification and predatory housing practices led policymakers in Ann Arbor to create a new “right-to-renew” ordinance. Could it be a valuable tool in the fight for tenant protections?