The Think Brazos Podcast

Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity
The Think Brazos Podcast

”Think local. Think Brazos!” The Think Brazos Podcast hosts conversations with locals, politicians, and experts to discuss policies that impact housing affordability, economic opportunity, and financial resiliency for families in Brazos County. Disclosure and disclaimer: The purpose of the Think Brazos Podcast is to present to the public a deeper sense of who the candidates are who hope to lead this community and to create a space for them to present their ideas, especially about housing and affordability. However, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Bryan-College Station Habitat for Humanity (which created and sponsors Think Brazos) does not and cannot endorse any particular candidate or political party. The open dialogue we create by doing our utmost to speak to every candidate for a particular political race we decide to cover should in no way be construed as an endorsement of the candidate or his/her political party. Further, the ideas and opinions expressed by the candidates we interview are purely their own and not necessarily those of Habitat for Humanity. Housing affordability is an important issue, so we thank you for following the Think Brazos Podcast. Executive Producer - Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity, Inc. Producers - Charles and Whitney Coats Host - Charles Coats Videographer and Sound Engineer - Mario Treviño

  1. APR 11

    69. College Station Mayor John Nichols discusses Texas Legislature and Housing Challenges

    In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, Mayor John Nichols of College Station joins us to discuss various challenges and legislative issues affecting housing affordability in Texas. The conversation delves into the implications of impact fees, local control versus state legislation, and the unique housing demands caused by Texas A&M University's large student population. Mayor Nichols also explains the city's efforts to adapt to market pressures, including allowing accessory dwelling units and considering smaller lot sizes. Tune in to understand the complexities of housing policies and their impact on local communities.  You can find a list of housing bills we’re watching here: https://thinkbrazos.org/2025/03/13/texas-housing-legislation-2025-bills-were-tracking/ Mentioned in the episode SB15 on minimum lot sizes ADU bills HB5489 on impact fees SB 844 on the valid petition process (“tyrant veto”) SB1567 on occupancy limits by familial status College Station’s Housing Action Plan: https://www.cstx.gov/departments___city_hall/commserv/development/housing_action_plan College Station Impact Fees: https://www.cstx.gov/departments___city_hall/pds/engineering/impact_fees The Think Brazos Podcast is a policy conversation platform produced by staff at Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity. As a 501c3, we do not make endorsements of any candidate or political party. Full disclaimer: https://thinkbrazos.org/about/#disclaimer  Learn more at https://thinkbrazos.org Follow Think Brazos https://facebook.com/thinkbrazos https://instagram.com/thinkbrazos https://x.com/thinkbrazos

    32 min
  2. 10/18/2024

    66. Justin Wager Bryan City Council At Large Candidate Interview

    In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, Justin Wager discusses his plans and aspirations for Bryan, Texas, as he campaigns for Place 6 on the Bryan City Council. Justin shares insights about his upbringing in Bryan, his early interest in politics, and how his background in the family restaurant business influences his perspective. He addresses key policy areas such as infrastructure improvements, downtown revitalization, zoning, housing affordability, and transportation. Justin also highlights his commitment to transparency and community service. Join us for an informative discussion aimed at helping the community understand Justin Wager's goals and vision for the future of Bryan.  NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS. The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with the candidates for Bryan Council for the November 5, 2024 election. You can find our episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube. #vote #votelocal #localgovernment #texas #bryantx STUDIO SPONSOR: We'd like to thank the Habitat for Humanity BCS ReStore for allowing us to use their space to record these important conversations. Follow them on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/restorebcs Instagram: https://instagram.com/restorebcs The Think Brazos Podcast is policy conversation platform produced by staff at Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity. As a 501c3, we do not make endorsements of any candidate or political party. Full disclaimer: https://thinkbrazos.org/about/#disclaimer Learn more at https://thinkbrazos.org

    12 min
  3. 10/18/2024

    65. Kevin Boriskie Bryan City Council Place 6 At Large Candidate Interivew

    Join us on this episode of the Think Brazos podcast as we sit down with Kevin Boriskie, Place 6 at Large Council Member and re-election candidate for the City of Bryan. Kevin, a fourth-generation Bryan resident with extensive experience in community development and finance, shares his insights on maintaining affordable housing, enhancing public transportation, and strategically planning for community growth. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration with local entities, including Texas A&M University, to tackle public safety and economic development challenges. Discover Kevin's vision for Bryan's future and his plans to improve the quality of life for its residents.  NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS. The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with the candidates for Bryan Council for the November 5, 2024 election. You can find our episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube. #vote #votelocal #localgovernment #texas #bryantx STUDIO SPONSOR: We'd like to thank the Habitat for Humanity BCS ReStore for allowing us to use their space to record these important conversations. Follow them on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/restorebcs Instagram: https://instagram.com/restorebcs The Think Brazos Podcast is policy conversation platform produced by staff at Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity. As a 501c3, we do not make endorsements of any candidate or political party. Full disclaimer: https://thinkbrazos.org/about/#disclaimer Learn more at https://thinkbrazos.org

    15 min
  4. 10/16/2024

    64. Bob Achgill Bryan City Council District 3 Candidate Interview

    On this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, join us for an engaging conversation with Bob Achgill, a candidate for the third single-member district of the Bryan City Council. Achgill delves into his transition from a petrochemical engineer to a community advocate, shares his experiences in Russia, and highlights his work with the deaf community. The discussion covers key issues such as Bryan's housing affordability, public transportation challenges, and policy measures to discourage large-scale housing investors. Bob also provides insights into the critical issues of water supply, space safety, and local elections, emphasizing the need for sustainable growth and a healthy, safe community. NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS. The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with the candidates for Bryan Council for the November 5, 2024 election. You can find our episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube. #vote #votelocal #localgovernment #texas #bryantx STUDIO SPONSOR: We'd like to thank the Habitat for Humanity BCS ReStore for allowing us to use their space to record these important conversations. Follow them on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/restorebcs Instagram: https://instagram.com/restorebcs The Think Brazos Podcast is policy conversation platform produced by staff at Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity. As a 501c3, we do not make endorsements of any candidate or political party. Full disclaimer: https://thinkbrazos.org/about/#disclaimer Learn more at https://thinkbrazos.org

    29 min
  5. 10/16/2024

    63. Jared Salvato Bryan City Council District 3 Candidate Interview

    In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, host Charles Coats interviews Jared Salvato, candidate for Bryan City Council District 3, as he shares his vision for Bryan, Texas. Councilman Salvato discusses his background in banking and finance, affordable housing, and strategies for revitalizing neighborhoods through multifamily projects. The conversation covers Bryan's housing market challenges, economic development initiatives, including attracting high-tech manufacturing, and the role of 380 agreements. We also explore the future of transportation in Bryan with increased funding for the Brazos Transit District and plans for a trolley system. NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS. The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with the candidates for Bryan Council for the November 5, 2024 election. You can find our episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube. #vote #votelocal #localgovernment #texas #bryantx STUDIO SPONSOR: We'd like to thank the Habitat for Humanity BCS ReStore for allowing us to use their space to record these important conversations. Follow them on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/restorebcs Instagram: https://instagram.com/restorebcs The Think Brazos Podcast is policy conversation platform produced by staff at Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity. As a 501c3, we do not make endorsements of any candidate or political party. Full disclaimer: https://thinkbrazos.org/about/#disclaimer Learn more at https://thinkbrazos.org

    22 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

”Think local. Think Brazos!” The Think Brazos Podcast hosts conversations with locals, politicians, and experts to discuss policies that impact housing affordability, economic opportunity, and financial resiliency for families in Brazos County. Disclosure and disclaimer: The purpose of the Think Brazos Podcast is to present to the public a deeper sense of who the candidates are who hope to lead this community and to create a space for them to present their ideas, especially about housing and affordability. However, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Bryan-College Station Habitat for Humanity (which created and sponsors Think Brazos) does not and cannot endorse any particular candidate or political party. The open dialogue we create by doing our utmost to speak to every candidate for a particular political race we decide to cover should in no way be construed as an endorsement of the candidate or his/her political party. Further, the ideas and opinions expressed by the candidates we interview are purely their own and not necessarily those of Habitat for Humanity. Housing affordability is an important issue, so we thank you for following the Think Brazos Podcast. Executive Producer - Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity, Inc. Producers - Charles and Whitney Coats Host - Charles Coats Videographer and Sound Engineer - Mario Treviño

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