Home ownership has traditionally been considered a part of the American dream, providing economic benefits such as wealth accumulation, access to credit and a built-in saving system. Home ownership also provides housing security and a connection to place. But many Americans may never own a home. The challenges for first-time home buyers, skewed worse for minorities, include … [Read more...] about Between renting and home ownership.
Crowdfunding
Get in on the GROUNDFLOOR.
In 2013, Brian Dally co-founded GROUNDFLOOR with the seed of an idea born out of the Jobs ACT of 2012. From humble beginnings, funding their first $50,000 loan with just 50 investors, Brian and his partner have built GROUNDFLOOR into the go-to funding platform if you want to fix’n flip property. And now they’ve added in Accessory Dwelling Units as well. Last year, … [Read more...] about Get in on the GROUNDFLOOR.
The impact accelerator.
From ecologist to impact investment guru, Dr. Stephanie Gripne has had a singular career arc. Originally trained in wildlife management and conservation, she went on to work on issues surrounding the built environment, in conservation real estate, environmental markets, and in the wonky world of financing strategies and historic tax credits. At the same time she was working as … [Read more...] about The impact accelerator.
Totally backwards.
Michael H. Shuman – economist, attorney, author, entrepreneur and a go-to person on local and community economics. Local, local, local. In everything he does Michael is focused on the little guy (or girl). And he firmly believes that a robust economy would not be so robust without all of those little main street businesses and startups. Over the past 30 years, … [Read more...] about Totally backwards.
The Placemaking Podcast.
"The Placemaking Podcast is meant for the developer looking to continually improve their craft and provide others with wonderful spaces within their communities." Matt Loos. Matt Loos believes that "placemaking" is the art of capitalizing on a local community’s assets, inspiration and potential, to create good public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and … [Read more...] about The Placemaking Podcast.