The Stoop

Karen DuBois Walton, Ph.D., from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and Pete Harrison from DesegregateCT discuss the near-win of this year's Work-Live-Ride bill in the Connecticut Legislature. They also talk about local policy progress and the fast-approaching YIMBYtown, the national pro-housing convening, which they are co-hosting in New Haven this September.

Burhan Azeem and Jesse Kanson-Benanav tell the story of Cambridge's significant zoning reforms, including eliminating single-family zoning and allowing six-story buildings citywide. These reforms, which could increase housing capacity in Cambridge by almost as much as the rest of Massachusetts combined, were made possible with electoral support and advocacy efforts spanning over a decade. Further, they stress the reciprocity of state action that can complement local efforts in achieving housing abundance.

Susan Bean, from Mountain True, discusses her transition from community engagement to housing and transportation policy advocacy, driven by the need for immediate community benefits. She details Asheville's recent changes to its Unified Development Ordinances, including eliminating parking requirements, increasing building heights, and streamlining approvals for larger housing projects. These changes aim to increase housing on transit corridors. She also addresses the challenges of balancing these policies with the concerns of legacy neighborhoods, emphasizing the importance of trust and relationship-building. Despite the complexities and emotional toll, she understands the policies were a step forward, acknowledging the need for continued...

Carlie Boos discusses her journey from ballet to law school and her transition to housing advocacy during the 2007 housing crisis. Carlie, now leading the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio (AHACO), highlights their mission to address housing gaps through research, data, and community education. AHACO's successes include passing $250 million in affordable housing bonds, zoning reform, and an access to counsel law. They recently conducted a community survey revealing that 50% of Central Ohio residents are personally affected by the housing shortage, with 80% supporting more missing middle housing. Carlie emphasizes the importance of human-centered design and protecting NIMBYs to preemptively address...

Mary Kyle McCurdy and Sam Diaz discuss housing policies and legislative efforts in Oregon. Mary Kyle highlights Oregon's urban growth boundaries and the need for diverse housing types. She recounts the passage of the 2019 Middle Housing Bill, which allowed duplexes, triplexes, and four-plexes on single-family lots, leading to over 1,400 new homes in Portland. Sam shares his family's immigration story and the impact of zoning on his community. They discuss the importance of bipartisan support and local leadership in implementing housing reforms, emphasizing the need for infrastructure funding and innovative housing methods.

Annemarie Gray discusses recently getting the "City of Yes" initiative across the finish line in New York City — the city's first major reform on housing in recent history. Gray, who has a background in architecture and planning policy, highlights the importance of zoning reform as part of a broad package that must include other measures to build abundant, affordable homes. City of Yes, which passed with a 31-20 vote, includes measures like universal affordability preferences, residential conversions, and accessory dwelling units. Despite cuts, it still aims to add 80,000 homes over 15 years. Gray emphasizes the role of grassroots organizing and th...

Sterling Higa discusses a recent legislative campaign that resulted in substantial state-level wins that will help alleviate the housing crisis in Hawaii. Despite opposition, these reforms passed due to a fierce legislative champion and a diverse coalition, spanning a wide ideological range and covering many areas of technical expertise. Higa encourages activists to be bold in their proposals and build a strong coalition to move policy across the finish line.

Graham Downey discusses his journey into housing advocacy, starting with a law school class on land use and leading to his work in Anchorage. He highlighted the success of eliminating mandatory parking minimums in Anchorage, Alaska — which can increase housing supply and reduce costs. This reform, supported by a diverse coalition under the Anchorage Housing Club banner, passed unanimously. Graham emphasizes the importance of defining problems clearly to find effective solutions and fostering shared values in housing policy.

Kirin Goff and Jake Hinman discuss the Arizona Neighborhood Project's efforts to advocate for pro-housing policies in a deep purple state with a divided government. They share stories of big wins and hard-fought challenges — including from opponents to their bills among local administrators and other officials. They emphasize the importance of removing policy barriers to give residents the freedom and ability to build their communities.

In this episode, Felicity Maxwell, an advocate, planning commissioner, and community leader in Austin, talks about the city's efforts to transform its housing and transit policies. Felicity discusses her journey from Brooklyn to Austin, highlighting the challenges of affordable housing and the need for density and transit. She details how advocates achieved their recent policy wins in Austin, including eliminating parking minimums and expanding middle housing options through the HOME initiatives, and how they are responding to the city's long history of racial and class exclusion. Plus, she offers a glimpse of what's next for the Texas capital.

Dan Reed, the first guest on "The Stoop," discusses their journey into housing advocacy, beginning with their childhood experiences with housing insecurity and through their recent, successful housing policy campaigns. As the regional policy director for Greater Greater Washington, they focus on housing and land use policy in Maryland and Northern Virginia. Their insights into relationship building, strategy, and leveraging networks can benefit all of us.

Cutter González (they/them) introduces "The Stoop" podcast, a project of the Welcoming Neighbors Network. On the show, you'll hear the stories of activists, policymakers, and thought leaders working to create abundant and affordable housing through policy campaigns across the U.S. Each episode will feature hour-long interviews, blending policy and advocacy discussions with personal stories.