You’re in for a treat! This is the first episode in our special Housing Changemaker Series in partnership with Up For Growth. Up For Growth is an incredible national pro-housing organization and they’re hosting a conference featuring amazing pro-housing voices from all over the country. We had the great opportunity to sit down with several of the speakers and give you a preview of what will be discussed in more detail during the conference. The conference starts on September 21 and is all online. Tickets are free, grab yours here! https://go.upforgrowth.org/UFG2021YIMBY This episode, Laura Foote sits down with Dr. Akilah Watkins who is President and CEO for the Center for Community Progress, America’s nonprofit leader for turning “Vacant Spaces into Vibrant Places.” They are a resource for urban, suburban, and rural communities seeking to address the full cycle of property revitalization. Her career’s work has focused on helping people, communities, and local and federal government drive impactful reform for key issues including land banking, property vacancy, childhood obesity, community health, and economic development. Follow Dr. Akilah Watkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrAkilahWB Learn more about the Center for Community Progress: https://communityprogress.org/ Learn more about Up For Growth: https://www.upforgrowth.org/ Learn more about YIMBY Action (become a member in September and get a free Legalize Housing shirt!): https://yimbyaction.org/join