Podcast
ChangeMakers with Katie Goar
Hosted by Katie Goar · EN
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.
14episodes
Episodes
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Episode 143: Dontrelle Young Foster, President & CEO, Housing Authority of the Birmingham District
Mar 1700:32:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Katie sits down with Dontrelle Young Foster, President and CEO of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, to explore what it takes to transform communities from the inside out. Drawing on 25 years of leadership and service, Foster shares how HABD’s 90 year legacy is evolving through bold redevelopment, public private partnerships, and a long term strategy called Thrive 2035 aimed at revitalizing 12 communities and thousands of housing units.Foster reflects on her journey from finance analyst to CEO, her early connection with residents, and how housing work moves far beyond bricks and mortar to create pathways for education, workforce mobility, and generational wealth. She addresses the tension between providing support and promoting self sufficiency, highlights the impact of Family Self Sufficiency programs, and explains why affordable housing is a “hand up” that stabilizes families one day away from homelessness.Raised in Selma and shaped by its civil rights history, Foster brings faith, humility, and lived experience to her leadership. From expanding daycare access to addressing long waiting lists and funding gaps, she outlines a clear vision for economic mobility and homeownership across Birmingham. For housing professionals and emerging leaders, this conversation delivers practical wisdom on resilience, partnership building, and leading with mission at scale.
Transcribe →Episode 142: Cathe Dykstra, President & CEO, Family Scholar House
Mar 300:32:12Tap to summarizeOn this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Katie sits down with Family Scholar House President and CEO Cathe Dykstra for a bold conversation about what affordable housing should really accomplish. Cathe leads one of the nation’s most comprehensive models linking housing, education, and long-term economic mobility. Serving more than 106,000 households across 48 states, Family Scholar House helps single parents and young adults not only secure stable housing but earn college degrees, build careers, and move permanently off government assistance. This episode challenges the “bootstrap” myth and reframes affordable housing as a pathway out of poverty, not a lifetime in it. Cathe shares powerful stories of resilience, explains the economic cost of trauma, and reveals how wraparound services, data tracking across 250 household metrics, and cross-sector partnerships are transforming families and influencing policy. If you care about housing, workforce development, trauma recovery, or scalable solutions to poverty, this conversation delivers both heart and hard data.
Transcribe →Episode 69 | Part Two: Michael Novogradac, Managing Partner, Novogradac
Mar 7, 2023Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the conclusion of Katie's conversation with ChangeMaker, Michael Novogradac, the managing partner of Novogradac. In this episode, we continue our discussion on his legendary career in housing that led him to be inducted into the Affordable Housing Hall of Fame in 2016. Mike shares his organization's mission and vision and how they are making a difference in the affordable housing space. But Mike is not just a thought leader, he's also a podcaster, and the only guest so far on our show who has their own podcast. We delve into how he started his podcast and how he navigates the complex subject of tax credits in his show. Mike also shares some insights on his upcoming projects and his vision for the future of affordable housing. Tune in for an inspiring conclusion to this episode of ChangeMakers.
Transcribe →Episode 69 | Part One: Michael Novogradac, Managing Partner, Novogradac
Feb 28, 2023Tap to summarizeGet ready to be inspired by this week's ChangeMaker, Michael Novogradac. As the managing partner of Novogradac, Michael specializes in affordable housing, community development, historic preservation, and renewable energy. He is a true expert in real estate taxation and accounting and has authored numerous books on the subject. Michael is not just a successful businessman, but also a passionate advocate for affordable housing. He has been inducted into the Affordable Housing Hall of Fame and is a frequent speaker at tax incentive conferences and forums throughout the country. Join us as we dive into Michael's career and learn how his expertise and dedication are making a difference in the world of affordable housing and community development. You won't want to miss this insightful and inspiring conversation with one of the industry's leading experts.
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