In This Interview:

How the Economic Recovery Corps program builds local capacity through embedded, on-the-ground expertise.
Strategies for preserving affordable housing and preventing displacement before it happens.
The role of partnerships, data, and coalition-building in solving complex community challenges.
Why housing is critical infrastructure and a key driver of long-term economic development.

Featured Guests:

- Tomeka Lee, program manager, National League of Cities (NLC)

- Laura Searfoss, AICP Programs, associate director, Enterprise Community Partners

- Vonnette Harris, president & CEO, Kairos Development, LLC, ERC fellow

For city managers, economic development professionals, housing leaders, and local government staff, this conversation offers practical insights on how to align housing, transportation, and economic strategies to create more resilient and equitable communities.

Resources:

Economic Recovery Corps: https://economicrecoverycorps.org/

Enterprise Community Partners: https://www.enterprisecommunity.org

Purple Line Corridor Coalition: https://purplelinecorridor.org

National League of Cities Housing Supply Accelerator: https://www.nlc.org/initiative/housing-supply-accelerator/