The Holistic Housing Podcast

Recorded during NACCED’s Community Development month, this multi-perspective episode features the voices of community development professionals from across the country. In-studio, Charlie’s Angels are joined by Jennifer Daniels, Planning & Community Development Manager for Arlington, County, VA. Then, we hear from members in Salt Lake, Essex, Allegheny, Los Angeles, and Henrico Counties. Themes emerge related to the people-centered focus of community development work, the diversity of this profession (because it’s everything from rehabilitating inmates to improving sidewalks), the importance of understanding each communities’ culture, and most importantly, why we’re all in this together. Plus, Heather and Laura reveal their new theme songs, the team debates the merits of Sonic’s new pickle juice slushie, everyone celebrates the increase in CDBG funding, and we roll out some new and surprising questions, like – is ravioli a pop tart? This episode feels like a conversation with friends – typical of this great, big NACCED family!

In this extra-lively episode of the Holistic Housing Show, the NACCED team is joined by Jon Coppage, Senior Fellow at the R St. Institute in Washington, DC. Jon’s work as a researcher and speaker takes him across the country to study what makes for healthy communities, whether that’s in the availability of accessory dwelling units, a neighborhood’s walkability, or multi-generational living. Plus, learn why Jon’s hometown, Winston-Salem, really isn’t trying to kill you with its two main exports (donuts and tobacco), and how Jon may be a “Simple Man” (according to his theme song) but according to her Chinese zodiac, Laura is just “simple-minded.” The NACCED team also tries to stump Jon with a game of “Trump Quotes: Real or Fake?” Also discussed: why it’s generally good advice to avoid “ecstatic love traps,” no matter your Chinese zodiac sign.

In this episode, the illustrious Director of Public Policy for Enterprise Community Partners, Emily Cadik, joined the NACCED crew to talk tax reform, the value of mentoring and how to form coalitions. Also on deck: Emily’s experience with the famed Corn Palace of South Dakota, Laura’s experience talking about hot dogs with people in Trump Hotel, the revelation that all debate kids turn into policy wonks, and how tying housing to infrastructure is like “trying to make fetch happen

In this episode of the Holistic Housing Show, the NACCED team are joined by American University Professor Derek Hyra to discuss his work on gentrification and equitable urban development in DC’s famous U Street/Shaw neighborhood. Derek discusses his book, “Race, Class and Politics in the Cappuccino City,” and the how true social integration in a newly gentrified area will lead to a prosperous neighborhood. Plus, learn what it means to “live ‘The Wire;’” what it was like to run for Congress and why a NACCED conference after party is the best after party around.

On the 4th episode of the Holistic Housing Show, Charlie's Angels are joined by Charlie himself: Chuck Robbins, the Director of Housing and Community Development for Clackamas County, Oregon. Chuck shares his love of not just great Oregon beer, but also public service, and how his involvement with NACCED connected him with incredible housing experts across the country. Plus, we discuss the eternal question: when is it just too soon to listen to Christmas music?

On this episode, Sarah and Laura are joined by Ja’Ron Smith, the Director of Urban Affairs and Revitalization at the Executive Office of the President. Ja’Ron shares how his experience growing up amidst poverty in Cleveland shaped his determination to make a difference in Washington, where he now works in the White House on domestic policy issues ranging from infrastructure to prison reform. Learn about the administration’s goal to bring all voices to the table when it comes to developing affordable housing policy that works, what Tupac can teach you about self-actualization, and just how desperate Laura is to attend the White House Christmas party.

On this episode of the Holistic Housing Show, the NACCED team is joined by Eric Enderlin and Elizabeth Strojan from the New York City Housing Development Corporation. Eric, NYCHDC's President, and Elizabeth, NYHCD's Director of Government Affairs, share what led them to work in affordable housing, why access to fair housing matters for all people, and what's so great about the LIHTC program. Plus, find out what their theme song is! And why does Elizabeth like jazzercise so much?

The Holistic Housing Podcast Connecting community. Sharing ideas. Finding solutions.  In the Holistic Housing Podcast’s inaugural episode, Laura, Heather and Sarah are joined by Cliff Taffet, who recently retired after 26 years at HUD, where he served as General Deputy Assistant Secretary. We asked what led him to HUD (spoiler alert: avocado farming), what he’d do with a magic wand and his advice for a younger generation. You don’t want to miss it! The Holistic Housing Podcast brings together thought leaders, policy makers and program implementers across the affordable housing, community development and economic development field. Guests discuss their experiences and solutions on topics like gentrification, workforce development, homelessness, urban revitalization, sustainability, placemaking, the American Dream and so much more. Through these conversations, we illustrate how housing affects quality of life and in turn, every individual’s ability to lead a successful life.