YIMBY Nation (Yes, In My Back Yard)

Jimmy Lee Miller, Vincencia Adusei, Peter J. Wood

YIMBY Nation is a podcast that brings unique perspectives from people who have served in the fields of advocacy, activism, non-profit, public, and the private development of affordable housing. We are driven by our passion for community empowerment, economic development, and residents' self-sufficiency in the transformation of underserved, low- and moderate-income communities.

  1. A Conversation on Housing Reform with Cambridge City Councillor Burhan Azeem

    10/20/2025

    A Conversation on Housing Reform with Cambridge City Councillor Burhan Azeem

    Send a text In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of housing reform with our special guest, Burhan Azeem, Cambridge City Councillor. From tackling the housing crisis and improving affordability to exploring sustainable urban development, this episode explores how local policies can create fairer, more livable communities. Join Vee, Jimmy, Peter and Burhan as we discuss the realities of housing policy, the importance of innovation in urban planning, and what meaningful reform could look like for cities like Cambridge and beyond. Burhan Azeem is serving his second term on the Cambridge City Council as the youngest councillor in the City's history. A graduate of MIT, Burhan’s primary focuses are on housing affordability, street safety, and universal pre-K. In his first term as councillor, Burhan expanded zoning for 100% affordable housing projects, successfully removed costly parking minimums that limited housing development, and played a key role in establishing universal pre-K for all Cambridge residents. Now serving as co-chair of the Housing Committee, Burhan is focused on expanding housing in Cambridge. His main initiative centers on legalizing multifamily housing up to six stories throughout the city, ensuring that Cambridge remains an affordable and accessible place to live for all its residents. Burhan is also a strong supporter of the Grand Junction passenger rail and municipal broadband. Bio from Cambridge City Council https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/citycouncil/members/burhanazeem

    35 min
  2. Pete Harrison From the Regional Plan Association - Connecticut Housing Policy, the Issues We Face and How We Overcome Them

    05/20/2025

    Pete Harrison From the Regional Plan Association - Connecticut Housing Policy, the Issues We Face and How We Overcome Them

    Send a text Housing is more than just shelter—it's a reflection of our values, policies, and priorities. In this episode, we dive into the intersection of racial justice, climate change, and housing equity. From discriminatory housing practices to the growing threat of climate displacement, we unpack how systemic challenges are shaping where and how people live today. In today's episode, we're excited to have guest Pete Harrison from the Regional Plan Association. Pete Harrison joined Regional Plan Association in February 2022 as the DesegregateCT Director, leading a statewide program to enact equitable and sustainable land use policies in Connecticut. In 2024 he became RPA’s director of Connecticut programs. Pete previously served for a year as Senior Policy Fellow for DesegregateCT crafting the 80-member coalition’s policy briefs, communications strategy, and local organizing campaigns and helped pass the first statewide zoning reform bill in over 30 years. Prior to joining DesegregateCT, Pete worked on the intersection of housing, climate, and land use policy as a research scholar for the Buell Center of Architecture at Columbia University. He co-authored a portion of the textbook Green Reconstruction: A Curricular Toolkit for the Built Environment laying out a framework for graduate-level planning, architecture, and preservation programs to center equity and sustainability in their practices. Before that he was the senior national housing advisor for the progressive think tank, Data for Progress, where he co-authored briefs and articles on federal housing and land use policy including the Homes for All report. He also advised on the presidential campaigns of Vice President Kamala Harris, Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and former HUD Secretary Julian Castro. Biography from RPA https://rpa.org/about/staff/pete-harrison

    1h 7m
  3. The Impact of Access: How Connecticut Is Helping Neighborhoods Thrive Through Investing In Innovation, Gender Parity, Family Services, and Small and Minority-Owned Businesses

    10/02/2024

    The Impact of Access: How Connecticut Is Helping Neighborhoods Thrive Through Investing In Innovation, Gender Parity, Family Services, and Small and Minority-Owned Businesses

    Send a text Connecticut is fast becoming the modern template for long-term growth and sustainability, particularly for its approach to gender, equality, diversity, and inclusion, and for how it plans to build the State by investing in innovation at all levels (not just big corporations and entities). Today, we are honored to welcome Connecticut's 109th Lieutenant Governor, Susan Bysiewicz. Susan developed a distinct work ethic while growing up on a farm, and she explains how this, her parents, and other life experiences shaped her passion for public service. She is passionate about helping young girls and women to see themselves becoming whoever they want to be, so after explaining how she motivates young women to pursue leadership positions in all fields, Susan walks us through the great work being done by Connecticut’s Governor’s Council on Women and Girls. We learn about the economic development opportunities in CT, what the State is doing for housing and affordability, how it approaches DEI, how it plans to improve healthcare, and what it has lined up for the fight against climate change. To end, Susan details an important and impressive notch in her legacy as a governor as we learn about the brilliance of Connecticut Paid Leave.  Key Points From This Episode: How LT Governor Susan Bysiewicz’s life experiences shaped her zeal for public service.Why she deems it vital to motivate young women to pursue leadership positions in all fields. Understanding the work of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls.Economic development opportunities in CT, specifically for housing, affordability, and DEI.Programs, grants, and other resources that aim to improve the lives of Connecticuters.How Susan and her team plan to improve healthcare and student life in CT.What the State is doing for the environment and sustainability.Susan describes a standout achievement in her legacy as a governor: CT Paid Leave. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: LT Governor Susan Bysiewicz  LT Governor Susan Bysiewicz on LinkedIn LT Governor Susan Bysiewicz X LT Governor Susan Bysiewicz on Instagram  Ella: A Biography of Ella Grasso Governor’s Council on Women and Girls Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development  Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund  Ignite: A WBDC Grant Program  The Women’s Business Development Council  Connecticut Paid Leave  Connecticut Student Loan Repayment Program  Vincencia Adusei on LinkedIn Vincencia Adusei on X VASE Construction Censere Consulting Peter Wood on LinkedIn YIMBY Nation Email  YIMBY Na

    45 min
  4. Putting the Power Back Into The People: Community Empowerment Through Food Security

    07/16/2024

    Putting the Power Back Into The People: Community Empowerment Through Food Security

    Send a text It is often said that where you find food insecurity, you will also find housing insecurity. Today’s conversation focuses on enhancing our communities' quality of life by examining the role housing plays in food security. We are joined by Khaatim Sherrer El, whose work is vital to today’s topic. He is the Executive Director of Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA), a non-profit community development corporation dedicated to revitalizing Newark’s Clinton Hill neighborhood. With over 20 years of experience leading place-based initiatives, managing strategic partnerships, and building organizational capacity, Khaatim brings a wealth of knowledge and an exceptional educational background to our discussion. Join us as we explore what inspired Khaatim to pursue community development and revitalization, the correlation between health disparities and housing conditions, the role of the city of Newark in CHCA's work, and the cultural impacts on health and food disparities within the communities they serve. Khaatim also shares his experience managing significant philanthropic investments and leaves listeners with compelling thoughts to reflect on. Thanks for tuning in.  Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to our guest on today’s episode: Khaatim Sherrer El.What inspired him to pursue work in community development and revitalization, and what drives him to continue doing so.We delve into a discussion on the reports indicating that health disparities often correlate with housing conditions. He unpacks their work with food security.A crucial part of the conversation: being aware of what we are putting into our bodies (and food pantries).He details the role the city of Newark plays in the work that they do at CHCA.We look at cultural impacts on health and food disparities and the communities they work with. The journey to starting their first resident-run food cooperative.His experience managing significant philanthropic investments and how it has shaped his approach (and mindset) to community development and education initiatives. Khaatim shares compelling ideas for listeners to reflect on.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Khaatim Sherrer El on LinkedIn Vincencia Adusei on LinkedIn Vincencia Adusei on Twitter VASE Construction Jimmy Miller on LinkedIn Censere Consulting Peter Wood on LinkedIn YIMBY Nation Email  YIMBY Nation

    45 min
  5. Season 2 Episode 2: Breaking the Cycle: How The Fight for Housing Stability Can Change the Course of Health Outcomes

    05/13/2024

    Season 2 Episode 2: Breaking the Cycle: How The Fight for Housing Stability Can Change the Course of Health Outcomes

    Send a text 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 LinkedIn Gillian Pressman on X YIMBY Action Peer Health Exchange Generation Citizen Vincencia Adusei on LinkedIn Vincencia Adusei on Twitter VASE Construction Jimmy Miller on LinkedIn Censere Consulting Peter Wood on LinkedIn YIMBY Nation Email  YIMBY Nation

    50 min
  6. Season 2 Episode 1: ‘Unequal Ground’: The Impact of Unjust Policies on Access to Educational Opportunities, Upward Mobility, and Better Quality of Life

    02/29/2024

    Season 2 Episode 1: ‘Unequal Ground’: The Impact of Unjust Policies on Access to Educational Opportunities, Upward Mobility, and Better Quality of Life

    Send a text 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 Freemark Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center Urban Institute Land Use Lab at Urban (LULU) Yonah Freemark on X Yonah Freemark on LinkedIn Vincencia Adusei on LinkedIn Vincencia Adusei on Twitter VASE Construction Jimmy Miller on LinkedIn Censere Consulting Peter Wood on LinkedIn YIMBY Nation Email  YIMBY Nation

    50 min
  7. Episode 12: The Tiny House Solution: Challenging the Status Quo To Advance Health, Employment, and the Eradication of Homelessness

    01/16/2023

    Episode 12: The Tiny House Solution: Challenging the Status Quo To Advance Health, Employment, and the Eradication of Homelessness

    Send a text 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 launch Michele A. Williams on LinkedIn Michele A. Williams Email The Tiny House Alliance USA COBA US Info Sheet The Habitat for Humanity YIMBY Delaware Vincencia Adusei on LinkedIn Vincencia Adusei on Twitter VASE Construction Jimmy Miller on LinkedIn Censere Consulting Peter Wood on LinkedIn YIMBY Nation Email

    38 min
  8. Episode 11: Part II: Repairing the Breach with Valerie White: Disrupting Systemic Inequities Through Economic Development & Community Advocacy

    12/22/2022

    Episode 11: Part II: Repairing the Breach with Valerie White: Disrupting Systemic Inequities Through Economic Development & Community Advocacy

    Send a text 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 LinkedIn Valerie Email LISC NY LISC on LinkedIn LISC NY on LinkedIn LISC on Facebook LISC NY on Facebook The U.S. Racial Wealth Gap, 1860–2020 The Color of Money Ford Foundation Vincencia Adusei on LinkedIn Vincencia Adusei on Twitter VASE Construction Jimmy Miller on LinkedIn Censere Consulting Peter Wood on LinkedIn YIMBY Nation Email  YIMBY Nation

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

YIMBY Nation is a podcast that brings unique perspectives from people who have served in the fields of advocacy, activism, non-profit, public, and the private development of affordable housing. We are driven by our passion for community empowerment, economic development, and residents' self-sufficiency in the transformation of underserved, low- and moderate-income communities.

Information

  • Creator
    Jimmy Lee Miller, Vincencia Adusei, Peter J. Wood
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Copyright © 2021-2022 - YIMBY Nation
  • Show Website
    YIMBY Nation (Yes, In My Back Yard)