This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast, Jim Hunt interviews Jim Brooks, the Director of Housing and Community Development at the National League of Cities (NLC)  The conflict of zoning, developer profitability, citizens desires and housing needs The current picture of COVID and evictions The balance between assisting renters and landlords during COVID Why rental assistance may be the most appropriate polity action And, much more   7 Steps to an Amazing City:   Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness   Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.   Links Mentions During Show:   AmazingCities.org LocalGovPodcasts.com   About Jim Brooks: Mr. James A. Brooks is the Director for Housing and Community Development at the National League of Cities (NLC). Mr. Brooks joined the staff at NLC in November 1988 and has held previous positions in membership services, public affairs, international programs, and policy development. The portfolio managed by Mr. Brooks includes the policy and practice fields of housing, homelessness, neighborhoods, community development, aging, public health, and veterans services. Mr. Brooks also continues to maintain NLC's relationships with a network of global allies and partners toward the goal of helping city leaders respond to global change. A frequent speaker on U.S. municipal government and federalism issues before both domestic and international audiences, Mr. Brooks regularly provides commentary and opinion for national and local media outlets. He is author and editor of books, research reports, issue papers, blogs and feature news articles. Mr. Brooks has lived and worked in Washington, D.C. since 1982, first coming to the city to serve as a staff member to a U.S. Senator.  Before joining the National League of Cities, Mr. Brooks was employed by the International Franchise Association, a membership organization for businesses that franchise their operations. About Your Host, Jim Hunt: Welcome to the “Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast” … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.   Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of “Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too” and his latest book, “The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City”   Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.   Today, Jim speaks to 1000’s of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.   Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.   Amazing City Resources:   Buy Jim’s Popular Books: The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City: https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city   Bottom Line Green: How America’s Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too) https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too   FREE White Paper: “10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown” AmazingCities.org/10-Steps   Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event: Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at AmazingCities.org/Speaking   Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town: Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting   Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities: Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development   Develop a Podcast for Your Amazing City: Discover more at LocalGovPodcasts.com Request a Podcast Launch Kit at www.LocalGovPodcasts.com/launchkit