In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Andrea Osgood, Chief of Real Estate Development and Executive Vice President at Eden Housing, one of California’s most influential affordable housing developers. With more than 57 years of impact, Eden Housing has developed over 160 projects and 13,000 affordable homes serving families, seniors, and special needs communities across the state. Andrea shares her personal journey from growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to studying liberal arts at Pomona College, earning a Master’s in Urban Planning from UCLA, and building a 17-year career at Eden Housing. The conversation dives deep into how affordable housing deals actually get done in California, including the role of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, public-private partnerships, inclusionary zoning, and local and state funding sources. The episode also explores modular construction, cost containment strategies, advocacy at the local and state level, and how emerging tools like AI and knowledge management systems are shaping the future of housing development. Andrea offers candid advice for students and early-career professionals interested in affordable housing, emphasizing risk management, communication skills, and financial literacy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in affordable housing development, urban planning, nonprofit leadership, real estate careers, and housing policy, especially in high-cost markets like California. CHAPTERS (00:38) Meet Andrea Osgood & Eden Housing’s MissionAndrea introduces Eden Housing, its IHOP beginnings, and its statewide impact after nearly six decades of development. (02:47) How Affordable Housing Deals Get FinancedA clear breakdown of tax credits, permanent loans, and layered public funding that make projects possible in California. (05:02) A 17-Year Career at One OrganizationWhy Andrea stayed at Eden Housing, and how nonprofit real estate blends mission with business rigor. (09:03) From Liberal Arts to Urban PlanningAndrea explains how urban planning became the perfect bridge between creativity, policy, and the built environment. (14:46) How Eden Housing Finds New DealsRFPs, inclusionary zoning partnerships, and land acquisition strategies explained. (18:43) Modular Construction & Cost InnovationLessons learned from modular projects in Vallejo and Hayward—and why standardization is still a challenge. (24:22) Housing Advocacy & Local LeadershipAndrea discusses San Mateo County advocacy, Measure K, and her return to Tulsa through housing impact work. (28:02) Advice for Students Entering Housing DevelopmentThe skills, mindset, and experience young professionals need to succeed in affordable housing.
