How access to quality housing intersects with quality of life such as better health results. Joining us to explore this topic is Gillian Pressman, Managing Director at YIMBY Action. To kick off our conversation, Gillian shares how YIMBY Action is working to legalize housing and remove barriers to affordable housing. We discuss the far-reaching impact of quality housing which touches on education, youth empowerment, and health. Through the lens of her own experience, Gillian illustrates the importance of building housing in opportunity-rich areas so that young professionals don’t need to lower their standards in order to live close to work. Gillian offers actionable advice for those seeking to advocate for affordable housing, focusing on creating options in high-income areas. Join us as we explore fundraising, the relationship between health and housing, zoning, and more. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode:Introducing Gillian Pressman, Managing Director at YIMBY Action. Her career history leading up to her current leadership role.What YIMBY Action is and how it empowers those who want to advocate for housing.How education and youth empowerment are connected to quality housing. Gillian’s personal experience with poor housing conditions.The importance of building housing in opportunity-rich areas.Her recommendations for fighting for affordable housing in high-income areas.How YIMBY’s chapter model plugs into local opportunities. Why fundraising opportunities might be much more abundant than you think.The evolving relationship between housing and health.Social determinants of health in relation to housing.Racial and housing disparities and the historical legislation that led to this problem.How YIMBY deals with zoning. Why Gillian supports affordable housing and market-rate housing. The best way to get involved with the YIMBY movement.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Gillian Pressman on LinkedInGillian Pressman on XYIMBY ActionPeer Health ExchangeGeneration CitizenVincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterVASE ConstructionJimmy Miller on LinkedInCensere ConsultingPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation

The housing and communities that people live in can influence nearly every aspect of their lives; from where they work to how they get there, the quality of the schools in their area, and even their longevity. Today, we take a deep dive into how zoning, land use policies, and efforts like NIMBYism affect affordability, equality in education, and economic mobility in our communities. Joining us to discuss this topic is Yonah Freemark, a Principal Research Associate at the Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center at the Urban Institute. Yonah is the Research Director of the Land Use Lab at Urban where his research focuses on the intersection of land use, affordable housing, transportation, and governance. Tuning in, you’ll learn how the Urban Institute works toward using public policy to create a brighter future for all, what it looks like to close the Black-white wealth gap in America, the need to shift our focus from policy to the needs of the individual, the importance of allowing people access to the communities they want to live in and redirecting investments into the communities that need them most, and much more! You won’t want to miss this thought-provoking conversation.Key Points From This Episode:How Yonah became interested in #policy, #housing, transportation, land use and the way people live.Public policy for a better future: insight into the work that the #Urban Institute does.The impact of the Great Recession on closing the Black-White #wealth gap in the US.Ways to address racial #inequality as a result of exclusionary #landuse policies.What it means to improve #equity for people across race and gender boundaries.NIMBYism and the role of the federal government in leveling the playing field for affordable housing development in local communities.The impact that county governments with a regional outlook can have on land use policy.Correlations between zoning policies and access to opportunity.A look at the Moving to Opportunity for Fair Housing (MTO) initiative in Chicago, the story of the impact of #YIMBY activism in New Haven’s West Rock community, and other impactful initiatives.Perspectives on solving unjust public policies and why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.The power of individual actions and citizen initiatives.Key takeaways from this discussion and actionable advice for anyone listening.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Yonah FreemarkMetropolitan Housing and Communities Policy CenterUrban InstituteLand Use Lab at Urban (LULU)Yonah Freemark on XYonah Freemark on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterVASE ConstructionJimmy Miller on LinkedInCensere ConsultingPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation

Bringing about positive public policy change requires knowledge, insight, and above all, commitment. Our guest today, Michele "Dr. Tiny" Williams, has had a varied career that spans the military, real estate, and public policy. While conducting research for her recent Ph.D. in Public Policy, she examined the relationship between health and housing, the results of which had a huge impact on the latter half of her career.  After realizing the substantial role that geography played in health outcomes, Michele recognized that your zip code shouldn’t determine your lifespan. Her experience during a bike adventure that involved helping communities fix their homes further catalyzed Michele to become involved in housing and public policy. Since then, she has made it her mission to transform public housing and address the systemic inefficiencies that are putting countless people in a position where they face homelessness or risk making dire compromises. She is the chief visionary behind COBA US, a non-profit organization that seeks to establish policy development, with a focus on tiny house communities and affordable rentals. Michele is also the Executive Director of The Fuller Center of Housing in Delaware.  In our conversation today, Michele delves into the many elements of her work, including the extensive policy work she’s done over the past few years, the benefits and drawbacks of tiny homes, and how to listen to the needs of the communities you work with before taking action. To learn more about Michele and how these organizations are challenging the status quo, be sure to tune in to this inspiring conversation!Key Points From This Episode:Michele’s varied career in the military, entrepreneurship, and real estate.How Michele earned her Ph.D. in public policy and her interest in health and housing.The non-profit, COBA US, and how it was founded as a result of a bike adventure.Michele’s connection to Habitat for Humanity.Some of the problems that can arise from partnering with government entities.COBA US’s relationship with government officials and why they don’t do any lobbying.How COBA US engages with their communities and corporations.The extensive policy work that Michele has been occupied with over the past three years.The current reach of COBA US and how they are looking to expand.An overview of the tiny house movement.The drawbacks and benefits of owning a tiny home.Michele’s book recommendations for anyone interested in Tiny Homes, a history of housing in America, and more.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dirt to Keys website - Soon to launchMichele A. Williams on LinkedInMichele A. Williams EmailThe Tiny House Alliance USACOBA US Info SheetThe Habitat for HumanityYIMBY DelawareVincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterVASE ConstructionJimmy Miller on LinkedInCensere ConsultingPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation

Most of us assume that the case for reparations to address the inhumane legacy of slavery is primarily about financial compensation. But that’s not necessarily the case. In part two of our conversation with Valerie White, we take a closer look at systemic inequities in the US and the potential for reparations to begin to repair them. We discuss the role that slavery and segregation played in creating the massive racial wealth gap and how it continues to define modern America. Next, Valerie unpacks what reparations might look like beyond financial compensation, and why systemic change is needed in all sectors of government, from education to housing. She also confronts the polarized state of US politics and the hostility that some groups have toward equity and change. Despite the enduring injustices of the status quo and the glacial pace of systemic change, Valerie still finds reasons for hope in the small victories she comes across in her advocacy work. To hear more of Valerie’s insights, and the remainder of our conversation on disrupting systemic inequities, be sure to tune in today.Key Points From This Episode:An overview of the racial wealth gap in the US.Historical factors that have contributed to systemic inequality.Reparation efforts and examples of initiatives that have decreased the racial wealth gap.Why the term ‘reparations’ covers more than just financial reparations.The systemic repairs that need to take place in the US.Valerie’s limited expectations for systemic change.How Valerie finds hope when systemic change is so incremental.Political polarization in the US and how different groups view equity.A breakdown of the holistic and intentional approach that LISC NY takes in uplifting communities.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Valerie White on LinkedInValerie EmailLISC NYLISC on LinkedInLISC NY on LinkedInLISC on FacebookLISC NY on FacebookThe U.S. Racial Wealth Gap, 1860–2020The Color of MoneyFord FoundationVincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterVASE ConstructionJimmy Miller on LinkedInCensere ConsultingPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation

Founded in 1979, The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is a non-profit organization that has played a pivotal role in growing community development initiatives across the country for over three decades. Joining us today to discuss LISC’s work, community advocacy, systemic inequities, and more, is Senior Executive Director at LISC NY Valerie White. We kick off Part I of our conversation with Valerie by talking about her upbringing and how her parents inspired her to become involved with advocacy work and public service. She goes on to describe her time at New York Housing Authority (NYCHA) and reflects on how it shaped her outlook as well as the important work the organization has done for marginalized communities. Valerie also provides a detailed breakdown of the initiatives at LISC NY, including their Developers of Color Program, and why it’s so important for creating greater access and opportunity for BIPOC individuals. She goes on to unpack what can be learned from rapidly developing cities across Africa and the lessons she came away with after her visits to countries like Kenya and Cote d'Ivoire. Join us today to learn about the important work LISC NY is doing to uplift underinvested communities and what to expect from them going forward. Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Valerie White, Senior Executive Director at The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) NY.Learn about the history of LISC and the work it’s doing to uplift underinvested communities.The work that Valerie’s parents did as public servants, and how they inspired her advocacy work.Valerie’s work at New York Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the important strides that they have made in housing over the past three decades.What can be learned from rapidly developing cities in Africa.Valerie’s trips to Kenya and Cote d'Ivoire and what she learned from her visits.Learn about The Developers of Color program offered by LISC.Examples of how developers of color are excluded from access and opportunities.The role that capital plays in your level of agency and access.An overview of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) certification.Learn who can take part in The Developers of Color program in New York.How LISC is financing comprehensive community development that goes beyond housing.Join us in a few weeks for Part I of a can't-miss conversation!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Valerie White on LinkedInValerie White on TwitterValerie EmailLISC NYLISC on LinkedInLISC NY on LinkedInLISC on FacebookLISC NY on FacebookFord FoundationVincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterVASE ConstructionJimmy Miller on LinkedInCensere ConsultingPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation

We are a country in crisis. Poverty, homelessness, and unfit housing continues to plague our society, along with issues of race and gender in America. During today’s conversation, leading economist Dr. Fred McKinney weighs in on the distinction between absolute and relative poverty; his belief is that while there will always be relative poor living among us, our focus should be on eradicating the presence of absolute poverty. Tune in to hear about the importance of government support, how the last six years have revealed that the country is in crisis, and why the poverty crisis cannot be separated from the problem of race and gender. Hear why Dr. Fred’s advice to listeners is that history, government, and activism are all important. He reminds listeners that nobody is going to save you, so you have to band together and get organized. Join the conversation today!Key Points From This Episode:Absolute poverty versus relative poverty and how this pertains to life in America today.What happened when there were no housing codes in 1890.The landlords in New Haven who were taken to criminal housing court for the conditions of their rental properties. The danger of laissez faire economics. Why Dr. Fred believes there will always be relative poor living among us.His belief that we should therefore focus on eradicating the presence of absolute poverty.The importance of government in creating infrastructures to support this. How the last six years have revealed that the country is in crisis. Why the poverty crisis cannot be separated from the problem of race and gender. How the Roe v Wade ruling resembles 19th Century America.Threats Dr. Fred has been receiving in response to his column on the Connecticut Post.Redlining and how history plays a role in helping us understand where we are today. Dr. Fred’s parting message: history is important, government is important, and activism is important.His reminder that nobody is going to save you, so you have to band together and get organized!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Fred McKinney on LinkedInDr. Fred McKinney on TwitterDr. Fred McKinney on EmailBJM Solutions Vincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterVASE ConstructionJimmy Miller on LinkedInCensere ConsultingPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation

America is in a housing crisis. Following the pandemic, inflation is on the rise leading to  widespread housing issues. With rising rental prices and a plummeting home ownership market, homelessness and substandard housing are also on the rise. Today’s guest, Dr. Fred McKinney, is a leading economist working in higher education and consulting in business development, with a focus on corporate social responsibility and diversity training. During today’s conversation, Dr. Fred shares his insights on the critical role of affordable housing in supporting low and moderate-income citizens, the relationship between mental health and homelessness, and short and long term solutions to the homelessness and ill-housing problem. We touch on the gap between the myth of success and the reality of what it takes to get there, and how business participation in development can help create generational wealth. Dr. Fred shares what he has uncovered through surveying supplier diversity professionals, and reveals the pernicious effect of corporations masquerading as supporting minority-owned businesses. Join us today to hear his thoughts about policing this problem, increasing responsibility, prioritizing fairness and whistleblowing, and much more! Key Points From This Episode:An introduction to today’s guest, Dr. Fred McKinney, with BJM Solutions.How pandemic-related inflation has further impacted the housing market. The federal reserve’s increase in interest rates which has affected home ownership markets.The critical role of affordable housing in supporting low and moderate income citizens.How homelessness and substandard housing creates stress on households and children.The relationship between mental health and homelessness. Short term solutions of offering support to the symptoms of homelessness. Long term solutions which lead to questions about how to support the poor in the long term. The gap between the myth of success and the reality of what it takes to succeed.Creating businesses and generational wealth through business participation in development.What Dr. Fred found when he surveyed supplier diversity professionals in large corporations.The pernicious effect of corporations that front as building minority-owned businesses.Why pass-through’s don’t generate community wealth, but end up in large firms instead.Policing these transactions in private and public contracts through whistleblowing.How to increase these policing structures through increased responsibility, minorities alerting the authorities, and creating public pressure.An invitation to join us for part two of this conversation on September 2.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Fred McKinney on LinkedInDr. Fred McKinney on TwitterBJM Solutions Vincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterVASE ConstructionJimmy Miller on LinkedInCensere ConsultingPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation

Being an entrepreneur is challenging, but if you enter the journey with a willingness to stick through the tough times, you can go further than you ever thought possible. This is the story of today’s guest, Sadie Marshall, who founded Sadie’s Pro Cleaning at the end of 2018. When the pandemic hit and she lost all of her clients, but instead of giving up on her dreams, she pivoted from a commercial and residential cleaning business to a crime scene and hazard cleaning business. Over the past few years, Sadie's Pro Cleaning has grown from strength to strength. Join us today to hear how Sadie has flourished in a male-dominated industry, turning herself from an unemployed single mom into a successful business owner who is getting ready to buy her own house!  Key Points From This Episode:Sadie and Vincencia’s first meeting, and the special relationship they have had since.Statistics that highlight how difficult it is to succeed as a small business.What Sadie's Pro Cleaning started as, and how it has changed since the pandemic.Two pivotal moments in Sadie's life that have led her to where she is today.How Sadie funded her business initially, and the funding sources she turned to when she pivoted during the pandemic. Why Sadie recommends every business owner hires a CPA.Dirty Rotten Cleaners; the new T.V. show that Sadie’s Pro Cleaners is featured on.The pushback that Sadie received about her logo, and why she decided to stick with it.How Sadie’s life has changed since she became a successful entrepreneur. Advice from Sadie for any other entrepreneurs starting a business. Sadie’s goals for the year. The biggest challenge that Sadie has experienced on her journey as an entrepreneur.Sadie's commitment to diversity and challenges she's experienced.Sadie also discusses how the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program helped her realize her dreams.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Sadie’s Pro Cleaning Business Line — 183377SADIESadie’s Pro Cleaning Business Line — 2033509464 Sadie’s Pro CleaningSadie’s Pro Cleaning on FacebookSadie’s Pro Cleaning on InstagramSadie Marshall on InstagramDirty Rotten CleanersDirty Rotten Cleaners Episode 3Dirty Rotten Cleaners Episode 7Vincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterVASE ConstructionJimmy Miller on LinkedInCensere ConsultingPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation

Today,  we are joined by Gregory Russ to talk about how NYCHA is reforming its approach to public housing in New York. Gregory was appointed Chair and CEO of the NYC Housing Authority in 2019. He is a seasoned housing professional with decades of management experience, who has helped to rebuild and strengthen public housing authorities across the country. Gregory begins by laying out the context of the issues New York is facing, where he describes a dysfunctional institutional structure combined with severely undercapitalized housing stock. He touches on the history of NYCHA’s recapitalization issues and the methods they are using to rectify this by reforming their approach in line with the HUD agreement. He breaks down NYCHA’s recent adoption of a property-first mentality, the role of partnerships with investors in growing support, and how programs such as RAD and PACT are being utilized as mechanisms for recapitalization and investment. What Gregory shares is encouraging in terms of the future for NYCHA and public housing in general, so be sure to join for today’s discussion. Key Points From This Episode:An introduction to Gregory, his education, and his career in the public housing sphere.What led to Gregory’s position with NYCHA and how the HUD agreement fits into its new approach.  Issues around a dysfunctional institutional structure and an undercapitalized housing stock.How NYCHA is transforming its approach using a property-first mentality.Gregory’s thoughts on whether public housing in NYC can be sustained.The need to reinvest capital into public housing for it to be sustainable.The role of partnerships with investors in strengthening the program.Gregory’s assessment of RAD and how it is helping sustain public housing.The series of investment options provided by NYCHA’s PACT program.Past criticism NYCHA has received around poor maintenance and how they are rectifying this. Big achievements Gregory hopes to accomplish with NYCHA in the coming months.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Gregory Russ on LinkedInGregory Russ on TwitterNYC Housing AuthorityVincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterVASE ConstructionJimmy Miller on LinkedInPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation

Welcome back to YIMBY Nation! Joining us in conversation today is Wade Rathke, from ACORN International, which fights for the basic rights of people – better security, health, housing, education, and employment conditions, and more responsive, truly representative government.  You’ll hear about Wade’s long and groundbreaking history with the organization, starting with working to bring laws into policy to be able to enact change in the fight for affordable and livable housing worldwide. The hosts of YIMBY Nation and Wade delve into the current state of our world with stark realism, and a hopeful gaze at the future, as well as revealing how ACORN’s work differs in the US, Canada, Peru, Africa, India, and beyond. We hope you join us to hear all of this and more today. Key Points From This Episode:An introduction to today’s guest, Wade Rathke.Wade’s history with ACORN International,  working in 15 countries across the world. It has local offices in Argentina, Peru, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Canada, India, and Kenya and partnerships in Indonesia, Korea, and the Philippines.  The current state of marginalized communities.Why the show hosts and Wade have been so involved in empowering communities facing social issues like economic development and fair housing.How fighting for housing rights differs in the US and other countries.The importance of ACORN being a membership organization and not an NGO. The backwards movement in US welfare.What Wade finds hopeful about the global approach to welfare and housing. A reflection with Wade and the hosts  on if they believe they have changed the world in the way they intended through advocacy.How the commitment to equitable housing has shifted over time.How resources and obstacles change across the globe although people want the same things.What ACORN does to ensure the same approach across different affiliates in different countries.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Acorn InternationalWade Rathke on TwitterWade Rathke on LinkedInWade's WebsiteWade Rathke on EmailVincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterVASE ConstructionJimmy Miller on LinkedInCensere ConsultingPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation

On today’s show, we are pleased to welcome Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozum, President of Eight Paws NDN, a Native Gaming Consulting firm. Bruce was first elected to the Mohegan Tribal Council in 2004, where served for eight years as Chairman and helped to secure refinancing for Mohegan Sun. He was involved in the expansion of the Mohegan Sun brand into Pennsylvania, Atlantic City, Washington State, Massachusetts, and New York. In this episode, Bruce describes community development in the sovereign state of the Mohegan Tribe, including how its community is housed on the reservation, whether or not they are affected by the affordable housing crisis in Connecticut, and what we can learn from their community revenue sharing structure. We also touch on the perceptions of outsiders, what pushback the Mohegans receive from NIMBY locals as they look to expand, and how home and land ownership works on the reservation. Tune in today to learn more about the Mohegan approach to building a more resilient and equitable community!Key Points From This Episode:Bruce introduces himself and how he came to operate Mohegan Sun.How the Mohegan Tribe as a sovereign nation determines how its community is housed.Bruce responds to the affordable housing crisis in Connecticut; whether the tribe is affected.How it works if a tribe member is interested in housing outside the reservation.The pushback the Mohegan Tribe receives from NIMBY locals as they seek to expand. Hear about the Mohegan attitude towards family and how they look out for their own.The short-term impacts of COVID-19 on Bruce’s community of 3,000 individuals.Learn about Mohegan tribal structure and governance and the role Bruce plays.Bruce elaborates on their revenue sharing structure and how his community has been affected by the eviction crisis.What states and business leaders can learn from the Mohegan Tribe community.How Bruce responds to perceptions from outsiders, who believe the Mohegans are wealthy.The difference in ownership between Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods.Bruce talks about expansion of the Mohegan Sun brand and opportunities for new facilities.What Bruce has been working on, including the song he has out on Spotify.Find out how home and land ownership works on the Mohegan reservation.Bruce’s advice for building stronger and more equitable communities: communication is key!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozum on LinkedInMohegan SunVincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterVASE ConstructionJimmy Miller on LinkedInCensere ConsultingPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation

Today’s guest on YIMBY Nation is Seila Mosquera-Bruno, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Housing (CDOH) and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA). Appointed by Governor Ned Lamont, Seila brings a wealth of knowledge to the Department of Housing. Prior to her appointment, she was the President and Chief Executive Officer of NeighborWorks New Horizons (NWNH), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing opportunities to help build strong communities and revitalize neighborhoods, which expanded its operations beyond New Haven County to New London and Fairfield counties under her leadership. Seila holds a Master’s degree in Urban Studies from Southern Connecticut State University, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Charter Oak College, and she completed the Community Development fellowship program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She has also served on the National NeighborWorks Association board and is co-chair of their National Real Estate Development Advisory Council. In this episode, Seila shares her mission to increase access to quality housing opportunities in the State of Connecticut, the important role that education plays, and how individual communities can address housing inequalities by being proactive. We also touch on Seila’s advice for creating more diverse and equitable communities and the value of collaborative efforts between the state, organizations, and individual communities using the resources available. Tune in today to learn more!Key Points From This Episode:Seila introduces herself and her mission to increase access to quality housing opportunities.The historic and current systemic issues behind the lack of affordable housing in CT and what Seila’s department is doing to remedy them.She highlights the holistic approach required to address housing supply and demand issues.The importance of educating the state and communities about affordable housing.Learn more about the CDOH Affordable Housing Plan and Process Guidebook.How the CDOH is supporting Black and Latinx households facing eviction in CT with legal aid.How households in need can access the UniteCT emergency rental assistance program.Why Seila views House Bill 6430 as a means to increase production of affordable housing.What individual communities can do to address CT housing inequalities; be proactive.Tips to create more diverse and equitable communities: embrace change, be more tolerant, and be willing to learn from one another.The power of working together with the resources available to accomplish shared goals.The critical interplay between education systems, communities, homes, and the state.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Seila Mosquera-Bruno on LinkedInConnecticut State Department of HousingConnecticut Housing Finance AuthorityAffordable Housing Plan and Process GuidebookUniteCTVincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterJimmy Miller on LinkedInCensere ConsultingPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation

Welcome to the first episode of Your In My Back Yard Nation, the podcast that looks at housing from a macro level to understand the aspects of life it impacts. In this episode, we invite Dr. Karen DuBois-Walton to help us address the COVID eviction crisis which disproportionately affects Black and Latinx renters in Connecticut. Dr. DuBois-Walton is the President of Elm City Communities, the largest public housing authority in the state of Connecticut. Before taking the helm of the ECC she served New Haven as Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff for former Mayor John DeStefano. She has also been named one of the 100 most influential Blacks in Connecticut and was awarded the Greater New Haven NAACP Community Service Award, so we cannot think of a better guest to kick off the show! Our conversation begins on the subject of the housing crisis and how it has been exacerbated by the pandemic. We then dig deeper into the issue of long-term housing segregation and poverty in communities of color which have sown the seeds for what we are experiencing today. Dr. Dubois-Walton weighs in on actions that have and can still be taken by federal, state, and local governments to help address the issue. She also talks about some of the advocacy she has headed up such as pulling together non-federal funds to cancel rent for an entire month. Tune in and hear more about how Dr. DuBois-Walton is helping to break cycles of poverty in Connecticut today.Key Points From This Episode:An intro into Dr. DuBois-Walton and the amazing work she does for Connecticut.How the issue of eviction disproportionately affects people of color in Connecticut.Lack of affordable housing access and how the pandemic has exacerbated this issue.A severe crisis looming; smaller landlords that can’t weather tenants who can’t pay rent.Actions that can be taken by federal, state, and local governments to help address the issue.On-the-ground actions that Dr. DuBois-Walton has headed up to aid the crisis.How private sectors can help ECC aid people who can’t afford rent in the long term.Tough decisions families have to make between work and family and how this feeds the issue.Dr. DuBois-Walton weighs in on the history of housing policy and the broader issue of segregation. How our guest is trying to address the issue of segregation and rental through HB No. 6430. The work of breaking cycles of poverty for families and helping them build wealth.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Karen DuBois-WaltonKaren DuBois-Walton on TwitterElm City Communities

Today we are excited to introduce you to the YIMBY Nation podcast where we will be exploring US housing policies and pathways to building more equitable neighborhoods. YIMBY Nation will focus on the nuts and bolts of affordable housing development and the socio-economic issues related to it, such as poverty, eviction, employment, supportive services, education, and healthcare. In this first episode, we meet our hosts Jimmy Miller, Peter Wood, and Vincencia Adusei, or “Vee”. We hear about their backgrounds, their careers, and their passion for housing development. We discuss the concept of ‘NIMBY’ or ‘NIMBYism’, meaning ‘Not In My Back Yard’, as a negative reaction by many people across the country towards efforts to create affordable housing and mixed-income communities in suburban areas. We then explain how the title of this podcast ‘YIMBY Nation’ is turning this concept on its head, with ‘YIMBY’ standing for ‘Yes, In My Back Yard’. Tune in today to hear personal stories of neighborhoods that have been transformed from an attitude of ‘NIMBY’ to that of ‘YIMBY’. Find out what to expect from future episodes and be inspired by true stories of the change that is possible!Key Points From This Episode:An introduction to the YIMBY Nation podcast and its mission to help build more equitable neighborhoods. An introduction to Jimmy Miller and what inspired him to get into housing development.An introduction to Peter Wood and what sparked his passion for social justice and housing development. Vincencia Adusei’s background in Ghana, her career, and what led her to help create this podcast. An explanation of the title ‘YIMBY’ as a reaction to ‘NIMBY’. How zoning laws have enforced the NIMBY effect.Jimmy and Peter reflect on a development where they came up against NIMBYism and a fence that separated communities.Peter talks about another experience and the positive response from residents when they overturned a zoning denial.  How Vee is hoping that the podcast will help people have an open mind and be receptive to change.Upcoming guests you can expect in future episodes.Peter’s hopes that the podcast will inspire young people to get involved in housing development.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Vincencia Adusei on LinkedInVincencia Adusei on TwitterVASE ConstructionJimmy Miller on LinkedInCensere ConsultingPeter Wood on LinkedInYIMBY Nation Email YIMBY Nation