In the latest episode of the Booked On Planning podcast, hosts Stephanie Rouse and Jennifer Hiatt sat down with author and developer Jamie Madden to discuss his new book, Bittersweet Lane: Creating Home(s) in the American Affordable Housing Crisis. Part memoir and part educational guide, the book offers a rare look at the housing crisis from someone who grew up in affordable housing and now spends his career building it.

Madden’s unique background allows him to bridge the gap between resident needs and developer realities. He emphasizes that successful housing requires understanding the “chain of consequences” behind every decision—from laundry room placement to the complex certification processes residents must navigate. A central theme of the interview is the ideological struggle over the purpose of affordable housing. Madden points out that while the goal should be simple—"everyone should have a place to live"—U.S. policy has historically wavered between viewing housing as a reward (like parks) or a punitive measure (like prisons).

Show Notes:

Further Reading:
- Gaffs: Why No One Can Get a House, and What We Can Do About It by Rory Hearne
- Poor: Grit, courage, and the life-changing value of self-belief by Katriona O’Sullivan
- Topographia Hibernica: Acclaimed stories from the bestselling Irish author, podcaster, satirist and musician by Blindboy Boatclub
A past episode referenced by Jamie is Homeless is a Housing Issue, a book he references in Bittersweet Lane.
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