The Stoop

This episode of The Stoop dives into how housing advocates work with — and sometimes around — the governor’s office to pass pro‑housing policy in Colorado, Arizona, and Connecticut. Matt Frommer describes advancing major supply‑side reforms under a strongly pro‑YIMBY Colorado governor, even as vetoes on tenant protections complicate progressive support. Gaelle Esposito explains how Arizona’s cautious governor vetoed an ambitious Starter Homes Act but later signed ADU and missing middle bills after other states led the way, showing how polling, bipartisan coalitions, and mayoral politics shape outcomes. Pete Harrison recounts how a major Connecticut housing bill passed the legislature, was vetoed, and then partially revived in special session, revealing the power of local anti‑housing groups, internal staff dynamics, and strategic polling. Together, they unpack how “local control” is selectively invoked by whichever party is in the minority, why trust, staff relationships, and narrative often matter as much as policy details, and how advocates balance state preemption and municipal campaigns while building a durable pro‑housing movement.

Anna Fahey and Daniel Herriges discuss the importance of parking reform in housing advocacy. The conversation covers a three-step messaging framework: defining the problem, illustrating solutions, and outlining actionable steps. They encourage advocates to use tangible, local examples and to avoid ideological framing to build broad support for parking reform.

In this episode of "The Stoop," Cutter González hosts a discussion with Grace Murray, Nick Taylor, and Matt Mooshian about recent housing policy wins in New Hampshire. They discuss the passage of House Bill 631, which allows for mixed-use districts and expanded accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and parking reforms. The conversation highlights the importance of a broad coalition, including young people, in advocating for these policies. They also emphasize the role of storytelling and data in building public support and the challenges of navigating local control arguments. The episode concludes with reflections on future plans and the impact of these policies on New Hampshire's housing landscape.

Karen DuBois Walton, Ph.D., from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and Pete Harrison from DesegregateCT discuss the near-win of this year's Work-Live-Ride bill in the Connecticut Legislature. They also talk about local policy progress and the fast-approaching YIMBYtown, the national pro-housing convening, which they are co-hosting in New Haven this September.

Susan Bean, from Mountain True, discusses her transition from community engagement to housing and transportation policy advocacy, driven by the need for immediate community benefits. She details Asheville's recent changes to its Unified Development Ordinances, including eliminating parking requirements, increasing building heights, and streamlining approvals for larger housing projects. These changes aim to increase housing on transit corridors. She also addresses the challenges of balancing these policies with the concerns of legacy neighborhoods, emphasizing the importance of trust and relationship-building. Despite the complexities and emotional toll, she understands the policies were a step forward, acknowledging the need for continued advocacy and community engagement.

Mary Kyle McCurdy and Sam Diaz discuss housing policies and legislative efforts in Oregon. Mary Kyle highlights Oregon's urban growth boundaries and the need for diverse housing types. She recounts the passage of the 2019 Middle Housing Bill, which allowed duplexes, triplexes, and four-plexes on single-family lots, leading to over 1,400 new homes in Portland. Sam shares his family's immigration story and the impact of zoning on his community. They discuss the importance of bipartisan support and local leadership in implementing housing reforms, emphasizing the need for infrastructure funding and innovative housing methods.

Sterling Higa discusses a recent legislative campaign that resulted in substantial state-level wins that will help alleviate the housing crisis in Hawaii. Despite opposition, these reforms passed due to a fierce legislative champion and a diverse coalition, spanning a wide ideological range and covering many areas of technical expertise. Higa encourages activists to be bold in their proposals and build a strong coalition to move policy across the finish line.

Kirin Goff and Jake Hinman discuss the Arizona Neighborhood Project's efforts to advocate for pro-housing policies in a deep purple state with a divided government. They share stories of big wins and hard-fought challenges — including from opponents to their bills among local administrators and other officials. They emphasize the importance of removing policy barriers to give residents the freedom and ability to build their communities.

Dan Reed, the first guest on "The Stoop," discusses their journey into housing advocacy, beginning with their childhood experiences with housing insecurity and through their recent, successful housing policy campaigns. As the regional policy director for Greater Greater Washington, they focus on housing and land use policy in Maryland and Northern Virginia. Their insights into relationship building, strategy, and leveraging networks can benefit all of us.