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 advocacy and community engagement.

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 housing issues.

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.