ChangeMakers with Katie Goar

Katie Goar
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Affordable housing is the backbone of better opportunities for all. ChangeMakers with Katie Goar analyzes the issues and challenges being faced in affordable housing today. In each episode, Katie speaks with finance experts, thought leaders, and change-makers to explore innovative solutions that provide more affordable housing options across the country. Whether you want to learn more about economic development, government funding, why affordable housing makes good economic policy, and why the total community benefits from affordable housing, this is the podcast for you.

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 155: Mike Gerber, CEO, Austin Housing Authority

    Austin has become one of the country’s fastest-growing cities, creating new opportunities and intense pressure on housing affordability. In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Katie speaks with Mike Gerber, CEO of the Austin Housing Authority, about the difficult work of expanding affordable housing while protecting residents, preserving community history, and rebuilding public trust. Mike explains why affordable housing projects have become so complex, how Austin transformed historic developments such as Chalmers Courts and Rosewood Courts, and why residents must have a meaningful voice in redevelopment decisions. He also shares the Austin Housing Authority’s approach to relocation, including its commitment to protections, improvements, and resident choice. The conversation explores Austin’s history of segregation, the possibility of another rent spike in 2027, digital inclusion, community partnerships, zoning reform, and the collective advocacy work happening through NAHRO. Mike also explains why housing authorities must provide more than a physical home. Access to healthcare, transportation, education, technology, and employment support can determine whether residents truly have an opportunity to thrive. Mike’s career has included work on Capitol Hill, leadership at HUD and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and more than a decade leading the Austin Housing Authority. Learn more about Katie Goar and Quadel at Quadel.com. Key Takeaways Affordable housing projects often require complicated funding structures and years of planning.Inconsistent regulations increase risk and make housing development more difficult.Austin’s rapid population growth has placed significant pressure on housing affordability.A slowdown in new construction could contribute to another rent increase in 2027.Successful redevelopment depends on earning trust from residents and surrounding communities.Residents need clear protections during relocation and redevelopment.Chalmers Courts grew from roughly 158 units to nearly 400 homes.Rosewood Courts combines historic preservation, affordable rental housing, homeownership, and community services.Digital access has become essential for education, healthcare, employment, and daily life.Partnerships allow housing authorities to provide services they couldn’t deliver alone.Industry associations help housing leaders share lessons and avoid expensive mistakes.Stable housing works best when residents also have access to healthcare, transportation, education, and employment support.Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Mike Gerber’s path into affordable housing 04:34 What people misunderstand about affordable housing 06:57 Austin’s growth and affordability pressures 08:27 Austin’s history of housing segregation 10:19 Why Austin rents could rise again in 2027 11:24 Transforming Austin’s historic public housing 14:43 Rebuilding Chalmers Courts 16:51 Preserving the history of Rosewood Courts 18:36 Creating affordable homeownership opportunities 20:35 Building trust with the community 22:31 Explaining RAD to residents 24:04 Giving residents a voice in redevelopment 25:22 Protecting residents during relocation 28:39 Why gardens and community spaces matter 30:10 Housing work requires humanity 31:52 Austin’s digital inclusion program 35:29 What the pandemic revealed about digital access 37:23 How housing authorities can begin digital literacy programs 41:10 Why housing leaders must tell their stories 42:56 Housing Works Austin and local policy 43:53 Zoning reform and removing development barriers 45:28 Tracking affordable housing across Austin 47:10 Austin’s investment in housing 49:19 The value of NAHRO 51:09 Why housing leaders must work together 55:35 State and regional housing collaboration 57:57 Learning from other housing authorities 58:59 Partnerships that make housing programs possible 1:00:45 Final thoughts

  2. Sep 1

    Episode 154: Crystal Wojciechowski, Executive Director, PHADA

    America’s housing authorities face growing demand, limited funding, complex regulations, and years-long waiting lists. How can affordable housing leaders continue serving their communities while navigating those pressures? In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Katie speaks with Crystal Wojciechowski, executive director of the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association, commonly known as PHADA.Crystal shares how a temporary position at the King County Housing Authority introduced her to the real-world impact of affordable housing. She explains how watching families receive safe and stable homes inspired a career that has now spanned more than 20 years. Katie and Crystal discuss the changing affordable housing workforce, including the growing number of leaders entering housing from outside the industry. Crystal explains why new perspectives can strengthen housing authorities when paired with experienced professionals who understand regulations, inspections, recertifications, and resident services. The conversation also explores PHADA’s Executive Director Education Program, its partnership with Rutgers University, and the importance of building a trusted network of housing professionals who can help one another solve difficult problems.Crystal explains how PHADA works with Congress and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to translate federal policy into practical solutions. She also shares why housing authorities must tell their stories, build relationships with elected officials, and position themselves as the leading affordable housing experts in their communities. This conversation offers practical guidance for housing authority executive directors, commissioners, policymakers, developers, and anyone working to improve affordable housing across the United States. Learn more about PHADA at PHADA.org.Learn more about Katie Goar and Quadel at Quadel.com. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Crystal’s unexpected start in affordable housing 02:35 Seeing the human impact of housing assistance 05:02 How the affordable housing workforce is changing 07:05 Bringing outside perspectives into housing leadership 08:46 PHADA’s Executive Director Education Program 10:00 Building a trusted network of housing experts 13:35 PHADA’s policy and advocacy work 15:29 Turning federal regulations into practical solutions 16:50 Why housing authorities must tell their stories 18:22 Translating complex federal rules for local agencies 21:13 How PHADA learns from housing authority members 22:45 When regulations create more work 25:20 Three ways housing leaders can begin advocating 27:39 Building long-term relationships with elected officials 30:02 Why housing commissioners need specialized training 32:03 The difference between governance and operations 35:50 Supporting women in affordable housing leadership 38:27 Finding new ways to fund affordable housing 40:27 Building stronger industry coalitions 41:39 The case for Moving to Work flexibility 44:09 Maximum funding and maximum flexibility 45:41 How to connect with PHADA 47:51 Final thoughts

  3. Aug 18

    The Audacity to Lead: A Conversation with Katie Goar

    Katie Goar knows affordable housing from every angle.Today, she is the president of Quadel and one of the leading voices in America’s affordable housing sector. But long before she became a housing CEO, Katie experienced homelessness herself. As a child, she lived in a tent with her family, carried the shame of that experience for years, and later transformed that pain into purpose. Katie joins Joe Pardavila to discuss her new book, The Audacity, and the personal story behind her work in housing, leadership, and community impact. She opens up about the moment her younger brother drew a tent when asked to draw his home, why homelessness is a condition rather than an identity, and how stable housing can change the trajectory of an entire family. Katie also explains why “bootstrapping” can only take people so far, how NIMBYism holds communities back, why local solutions matter, and how leaders can build a “yes plan” when the default answer around them is no.This conversation is about housing, but it’s also about shame, survival, leadership, and the power of turning your story into a tool for helping others. What You’ll LearnHow Katie Goar went from housing insecurity to becoming president of QuadelWhy homelessness should be seen as a condition, rather than a permanent identityHow childhood instability can shape leadership, risk, and resilienceWhy “bootstrapping” alone can’t solve homelessness or housing insecurityHow affordable housing impacts education, health, employment, and local economiesWhy NIMBYism often blocks the exact workers communities depend onWhat Katie means by “strategic generosity”How a “yes plan” can help people move from fear to actionWhy leaders need a hype squad, a win journal, and the audacity to start before they feel readyWatch Katies Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/UMIn8_rA5iU?si=FvUg8WDWICYl8Wys Order Audacity: https://www.amazon.com/Audacity-Go-Wannabe-Leader-Others-ebook/dp/B0GZPV5N3C/ Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:28 Why Katie Goar decided to tell her story 02:00 Becoming a public voice in affordable housing 03:28 Breaking stereotypes about homelessness 06:06 Why bootstrapping can only go so far 08:16 The moment Katie’s brother drew a tent as his house 10:30 Anger, resentment, and growing up in survival mode 13:38 The “necklace of shame” 15:40 How childhood instability leaves fingerprints later in life 18:15 Homelessness as a condition, not an identity 19:32 Becoming an audacious problem-solver 21:00 From living in a tent to leading Quadel 24:26 Saying yes before you feel ready 25:45 Why people “fall into” affordable housing 27:49 Women leaders in the housing industry 30:00 Strategic generosity and solving housing locally 33:00 Federal funding, local action, and housing complexity 35:18 NIMBYism and the real cost of saying no 39:38 Affordable housing as workforce policy 40:35 Why Katie believes in a “yes plan” 42:02 Quadel’s mission and employee homeownership support 43:27 Wannabe leaders vs. leaders others want to follow 45:10 Why every leader needs a hype squad 46:45 First rodeo, second rodeo, third rodeo 48:36 Why Katie recommends starting a win journal 56:31 The sliding door moment that changed Katie’s family 58:10 Closing

  4. Aug 4

    Episode 153: Sean Gilbert, Executive Director of Tennessee Valley Housing Services & President of NAHRO

    Sean Gilbert, executive director of Tennessee Valley Housing Services and president of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, joins Katie Goar to explain why affordable housing is essential to economic development, workforce growth, and thriving communities. Sean shares how growing up in southern West Virginia shaped his belief that a house becomes a home through community. He discusses his journey into public service, the affordable housing shortage affecting employers across Tennessee and the country, and the work underway to renovate aging housing, build workforce housing, and expand services for residents. The conversation also explores Sean’s national priorities as president of NAHRO, including stronger storytelling, professional development, collaboration between housing authorities, and bringing a new generation of leaders into the affordable housing industry. Sean explains why housing authorities must move beyond traditional boundaries, pursue creative financing, build stronger partnerships, and show the public how housing investments improve education, employment, local business, and quality of life. You’ll also hear how Tennessee Valley Housing Services partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, why childhood literacy can shape a community’s future, and how one conversation with a skeptical business owner changed Sean’s approach to affordable housing advocacy. Timestamps 00:00 Introducing Sean Gilbert 00:56 Growing Up in Appalachia 02:44 Finding a Career in Public Service 04:40 Family, Community and Education 06:47 Leading Tennessee Valley Housing Services 08:21 Renovating Aging Affordable Housing 10:59 The Demand for Workforce Housing 13:17 Housing Is Economic Development 15:30 Partnering With Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 18:08 Why Childhood Literacy Matters 21:34 Changing the Story of Affordable Housing 22:15 Turning a Housing Critic Into a Supporter 25:47 Taking Residents’ Stories to Washington 28:33 Sean’s Priorities as NAHRO President 32:05 Improving the NAHRO Member Experience 34:05 Training the Next Generation of Housing Leaders 35:12 What to Expect From NAHRO’s Denver Conference 38:38 The Value of Conference Relationships 40:19 Why Housing Authorities Must Think Bigger 41:46 A Career That Changes Communities

  5. Jul 21

    Episode 152: Laura Foote, Founder and Executive Director, YIMBY Action

    Why is housing so expensive, and why does it take years to build new homes in communities that desperately need them? In this episode of ChangeMakers, Katie Goar speaks with Laura Foote, founder and executive director of YIMBY Action, about America’s housing shortage and the political choices that continue to limit housing production. Laura explains how restrictive zoning, lengthy permitting processes, local opposition, fees, and political pressure make it harder and more expensive to build. She also shares how the YIMBY movement is organizing residents to support new housing, influence local officials, advocate for policy changes, and hold cities accountable. The conversation explores how housing shortages affect teachers, nurses, small businesses, older adults, young families, and anyone who can’t afford to live near their job or community. Laura also discusses the growing bipartisan support for housing reform, the expansion of YIMBY Action’s 87 local chapters, and the organization’s work to unblock tens of thousands of new homes across the country. You’ll learn: • Why America is millions of homes behind • How zoning and permitting increase housing costs • Why local opposition carries so much political power • How housing shortages hurt businesses and essential workers • Why housing reform has support across the political spectrum • How ordinary residents can influence housing decisions • What YIMBY Action means by “units unblocked” Learn more about YIMBY Action and how you can get involved in supporting housing production in your community. ChangeMakers with Katie Goar explores the people, policies, and ideas shaping the future of affordable housing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Laura Foote’s personal housing story 02:09 Why high housing costs feel like personal failure 02:28 How the YIMBY movement began 04:34 Why new housing is so difficult to build 06:52 The community-wide effects of housing shortages 07:46 How residents can change the political math 08:33 Addressing common objections to new housing 10:49 How communities move from NIMBY to YIMBY 12:59 Why older adults and employers are joining the fight 14:00 Yes in God’s Backyard and other policy reforms 16:11 Why the housing shortage affects everyone 17:01 America’s self-imposed housing crisis 18:21 Bipartisan momentum for housing reform 21:20 Inside YIMBY Action’s 87 local chapters 22:31 When YIMBY Action takes cities to court 24:15 How YIMBY Action measures its impact 25:00 What “units unblocked” means 26:21 Why YIMBY Action focuses on new construction 27:00 Turning housing expertise into political action

  6. Jul 7

    Episode 151: Sarah Buchanan, Executive Vice President, San Diego Housing Federation

    In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Katie sits down with Sarah Buchanan, Executive Vice President of the San Diego Housing Federation, to talk about the real challenges facing affordable housing in one of the country’s most expensive regions. Sarah shares how she entered the housing field, what makes San Diego’s housing market so difficult, and why residents now need to earn around $50 an hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment. She also explains the difference between naturally occurring affordable housing and tax-credit affordable housing, the need for roughly 100,000 more units in San Diego, and the role coalition-building plays in creating real change. The conversation also explores homelessness, healthcare, hunger, childcare, workforce development, lived experience advocacy, and why self-care matters for people doing mission-driven housing work. If you care about affordable housing, homelessness prevention, community development, or the future of thriving cities, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it takes to move from crisis to solutions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ChangeMakers 00:13 Meet Sarah Buchanan 00:50 Connecting Through the Women’s Affordable Housing Network 02:32 Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care in Housing Work 03:06 Sarah’s Path Into Affordable Housing 05:04 The Reality of San Diego’s Housing Market 05:56 Why Residents Need $50 an Hour for a Two-Bedroom Apartment 06:22 San Diego’s 100,000-Unit Housing Gap 07:31 What the San Diego Housing Federation Does 08:29 Training the Affordable Housing Workforce 10:35 Building Coalitions Around Basic Needs 11:06 Housing, Homelessness, Hunger, Healthcare, and Childcare 12:20 Centering Lived Experience in Advocacy 13:05 Signs of Progress in San Diego 14:40 What People Misunderstand About Affordable Housing 16:44 Why Affordable Housing Projects Are So Complex 18:18 Sarah’s Leadership Approach 19:58 The Big Idea: A One-Stop Housing Database 21:43 How Technology Could Improve Housing Access 22:51 What Drives People in Affordable Housing 24:26 Self-Care, Boundaries, and Compassion Fatigue 26:19 Closing Thoughts

  7. Jun 23

    Episode 150: Marie Cervay Hickle, HTC & NMTC Relationship Manager , PNC

    Historic buildings can become a powerful part of a community’s future. In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Katie sits down with Marie Cervay Hickle, Vice President at PNC, to explain how historic tax credits and new markets tax credits help bring aging buildings back to life. Marie has more than 15 years of experience in community development finance. She has helped originate and close more than $450 million in tax credit equity across the country. The conversation explores how developers can turn vacant mills, overlooked landmarks, former schools, and other underused properties into housing and community spaces. Marie breaks down how historic tax credits work, why experienced financing partners matter, and how new markets tax credits can support projects that bring healthcare, education, jobs, and social services into low-income communities. Katie and Marie also discuss the renovation of Cleveland’s West Side Market and a 125-year-old South Carolina denim mill that became a 205-unit apartment community with lofts, a fitness center, coworking space, and modern amenities. You’ll learn: • How historic tax credits help fill gaps in a development capital stack • Which buildings can qualify for historic tax credits • How new markets tax credits support community development • Why adaptive reuse can strengthen neighborhoods • How banks evaluate community development projects • Why redevelopment can create challenges around gentrification • How developers can begin the tax credit process Learn more about Katie Goar and Quadel at quadel.com. Chapters 00:00 How historic buildings can shape the future of communities 01:14 Meet Marie Cervay Hickle of PNC 01:44 Marie’s path from engineering to community development finance 03:52 The Cleveland hotel renovation that shaped Marie’s career 05:00 Why new markets tax credits matter for low-income communities 06:31 Historic tax credits explained 09:53 Do historic tax credits make renovations more attractive? 12:40 Restoring Cleveland’s West Side Market 15:31 How developers can begin the historic tax credit process 19:54 New markets tax credits explained 22:30 Which projects can qualify for new markets tax credits? 24:29 How PNC evaluates community development investments 27:05 Can redevelopment transform an entire neighborhood? 28:38 The difficult balance between revitalization and gentrification 30:55 PNC’s priority markets for community investment 32:15 How a 125-year-old denim mill became 205 apartments 34:15 Final thoughts

  8. Jun 9

    Episode 149: Whitney Hill, CEO & Co-Founder, SnapADU

    California’s housing crisis has pushed families, investors, and homeowners to rethink what housing can look like. In this episode of ChangeMakers, Katie Goar sits down with Whitney Hill, co-founder and CEO of SnapADU, to explore how accessory dwelling units, better known as ADUs, are changing the housing landscape across San Diego and beyond. Whitney shares how SnapADU launched during the 2020 shutdown, why California’s regulatory changes created a massive opportunity, and how her company has now completed more than 100 detached ADU builds. The conversation covers: • The real drivers behind ADU demand • Why families are embracing multi-generational living • How homeowners are using ADUs for wealth building • The biggest bottlenecks slowing housing development • Why permitting and utility regulations remain a challenge • The future of affordable housing in California • What most people misunderstand about ADUs Whitney also explains why the most successful ADU projects focus on quality of life, thoughtful design, and long-term planning instead of simply maximizing density. If you’re interested in affordable housing, real estate investing, urban development, entrepreneurship, or the future of housing policy, this episode delivers practical insight into one of the fastest-growing housing trends in America. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders creating real-world solutions in housing, healthcare, business, and community development. Topics Covered / What You’ll Learn What an ADU actually isWhy California changed ADU lawsHow Snap ADU grew during COVIDThe economics behind ADU investingWhy multi-generational housing is growingThe biggest construction and permitting bottlenecksHow homeowners use ADUs to offset mortgage costsThe future of housing density in CaliforniaWhy San Diego became a hotspot for ADUsHow thoughtful housing design improves quality of lifeThe hidden complexity behind “simple” ADU buildsHow Whitney Hill built a niche construction company Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:12 Meet Whitney Hill of Snap ADU 01:00 How California’s ADU law changes created opportunity 02:40 The story behind the name Snap ADU 03:30 Why San Diego became an ADU hotspot 05:10 Who is building ADUs today? 06:30 Community concerns around density and parking 08:25 Housing demand and city capacity 09:45 Why California has embraced ADUs 11:00 ADUs as a wealth-building tool 12:15 Multi-generational living success stories 14:20 The realities of running an ADU construction company 16:20 The biggest bottlenecks slowing housing growth 17:45 ADU design trends and creative layouts 19:15 Whitney Hill on leadership and entrepreneurship 21:00 Yale, NYU, and finding her professional niche 22:40 Snap ADU’s future growth strategy 24:30 Can ADUs help affordable housing? 26:20 Closing thoughts

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Affordable housing is the backbone of better opportunities for all. ChangeMakers with Katie Goar analyzes the issues and challenges being faced in affordable housing today. In each episode, Katie speaks with finance experts, thought leaders, and change-makers to explore innovative solutions that provide more affordable housing options across the country. Whether you want to learn more about economic development, government funding, why affordable housing makes good economic policy, and why the total community benefits from affordable housing, this is the podcast for you.

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