This is an archive of all Community Trailblazers content. It provides a historical perspective on the creation of housing and communities.
Building a Housing Landscape Ep. 25 – Barry Zigas details why the proper supply of affordable housing often falls short, with funding regularly lacking to get “the train running at maximum efficiency.” He explains why building a housing landscape is so critical today. Top Takeaways: The insufficiency of tax credits and what low-income earners need […]
Pennsylvania’s Housing Champion Ep. 27 – Barbara Adams is an influential leader in Pennsylvania for her tireless efforts to implement housing projects, help reduce poverty, and advocate for social justice issues. Barbara Adams is recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s accomplished leaders with decades of experience in law, finance, government, and public service. Barbara recounts her
Race Relations Is Our Biggest Problem Ep. 26 – Robert (Bob) Elliott has held significant roles in many of the critical decisions that shaped housing policy, particularly those that affected race relations, including the Gautreaux decision. Top Takeaways: The need for implementation of existing programs in the affordable housing sector The challenge of inspiring government
Taking A Global View Ep. 32 – As an international studies major, Jane Katz came to Washington, D.C. with high ideals about the future and working globally. Yet like many who have had a non-linear career path, she found herself working in the housing arena, spending time at HUD and Fannie Mae. Top Takeaways: The
His Role as the Fixer Ep. 31 – John Koskinen was involved in 911, anthrax, Y2K, IRS, Freddie Mac rebuilding during the 2008 financial crisis., and yes, even soccoer. That’s why his role is referred to as “the fixer.” Top Takeaways: The steps that he took while in government to deal with both the 2000
A Scholar’s Take on Housing Ep. 30 – John Weicher He offers his breadth of experience to discuss trending issues in the housing and real estate markets and surveys the key accomplishments from his career. As the author of 14 books and numerous scholarly articles, Weicher provides an academic’s insights combined with the experience of
Why We Need Political Will Ep. 29 – Marion McFadden, has candid advice on the priorities and political will Washington should have. While Congress has yet to provide funding needed to take people off long waiting lists for assistance, there is hope to be found in the private sector and state and local governments who
Going Green for Smarter Housing Ep. 28 – In this episode of the Community Trailblazers Podcast, Nan McKay interviews Michael Bodaken as he shares his past role as head of the nonprofit National Housing Trust. He was largely responsible for the growth of the organization into an industry leader in affordable housing and green preservation,
