Dryden Brown

Dryden Brown is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bluebook Cities, a company focused on creating "affinity cities" that are organized around shared values and a common vision for the future. The concept aims to build communities where residents share interests and goals, contrasting with traditional cities that often prioritize economic factors over social connections.1

Background and Career

Brown was raised in Santa Barbara, California, where he was homeschooled to pursue competitive surfing. He attended New York University but dropped out after a year. Before founding Bluebook Cities, he worked as an investment analyst at a hedge fund, where he met his co-founder, Charlie Callinan.23 In 2019, inspired by their experiences and discussions while surfing, Brown and Callinan initiated the idea of creating a new type of city, which eventually led to the establishment of Bluebook Cities, later rebranded as Praxis.3

Vision and Projects

Under Brown's leadership, Bluebook Cities aims to create a new city that emphasizes community and collaboration among its members, who include founders, engineers, artists, and researchers. The company is currently working on a project called Praxis, which envisions building a city populated by individuals committed to a shared vision and values. This project has garnered attention for its ambitious goals and has raised significant funding, including a reported $19.2 million to support its initiatives.23

Controversies and Criticism

Brown's approach and the overarching vision of Praxis have faced criticism and skepticism. Some former employees and critics have described the project as unrealistic, with concerns about its governance and the feasibility of its goals. Reports have also highlighted controversial aspects of Brown's beliefs and the company's internal culture, including associations with far-right ideologies and figures.34

Overall, Dryden Brown represents a new wave of entrepreneurs attempting to redefine urban living through innovative concepts, despite the challenges and controversies surrounding their implementations.