WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new episode of the CitiesSpeak podcast from the National League of Cities (NLC) explores how the newly enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act creates new opportunities for cities, towns and villages to expand housing supply through stronger federal-local partnerships, modernized federal programs and new tools that support locally driven housing solutions.
It features Mike Wallace, Legislative Director of Housing, Community and Economic Development at NLC, and Jason Jordan, Public Affairs Director at the American Planning Association (APA), in conversation with Lauren Lowery, Director of Housing and Community Development at NLC.
During the conversation, Wallace and Jordan explain how the legislation focuses on improving existing housing systems rather than creating a one-size-fits-all solution. They discuss new flexibilities for federal housing programs, incentives to unlock private capital, support for modular and manufactured housing, and why local governments should begin planning now to take full advantage of the law as implementation begins.
Highlights from the Conversation
On why the bill matters for cities:
“We’ve been hearing from city leaders really since the Great Recession, and much more so in the last five years, probably, that they’re looking for housing solutions, that they recognize local governments can’t really go this alone. They need good partners, they need good programs, they need the federal government and the state government’s help. And this is the federal government stepping up to provide that kind of partnership that cities have been craving for years now.” — Mike Wallace, Legislative Director of Housing, Community and Economic Development, National League of Cities
On why communities should act now:
“This is the time to do it. It’s time to invite all the stakeholders to the table and look at the bill together and see what’s possible and what’s needed in your community, and then what in the bill is going to be helpful there.” — Mike Wallace, Legislative Director of Housing, Community and Economic Development, National League of Cities
On the bill’s broader significance:
“This bill is absolutely the right catalyst at the right time. It’s focusing on fixing the exact systems that need to be strengthened and improved in order to leverage additional subsidies that come in to do more production.” — Jason Jordan, Public Affairs Director, American Planning Association
The CitiesSpeak podcast features conversations with leaders and policy experts on the biggest issues facing America’s cities, towns and villages.
Listen to the full conversation: “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Explained with Mike Wallace and Jason Jordan” — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
About CitiesSpeak
Each episode of NLC’s podcast, CitiesSpeak with Clarence Anthony, dives into a critical issue facing local leaders today, featuring conversations with elected leaders and policy experts from across the country. The podcast is a relaxed and entertaining resource for local policymakers looking for ideas and information to bring back to their communities. The podcast is hosted by NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony, who previously served as mayor of South Bay, Florida, for more than two decades.
New episodes of CitiesSpeak are available on all major podcasting platforms and on YouTube. If you have feedback for the show or ideas for future guests, email us. Happy listening!
