Making Housing Work: Affordability, Attainability, and the Future of Growth with Beth Silverman, AJ Jackson and Andy Lucas
Housing is one of Charlotte’s most pressing needs, yet also one of its most complex and misunderstood challenges.
In this episode, host Beth Silverman sits down with AJ Jackson of Leo Impact Capital and Andy Lucas of Beauxwright to unpack the facts behind the headlines.
Together, they define what we really mean when we talk about housing, from affordable to market rate, and explore the realities, myths, and opportunities shaping the housing conversation in the Charlotte region.
From zoning and policy to costs and community attitudes, this conversation dives into what’s driving the housing shortage and what it will take to create a more balanced and attainable future for everyone.
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54:39
Transportation Funding Explained with Tracy Dodson, Ned Curran & David Howard
Charlotte is growing faster than ever, but how will we keep the city moving? In this episode of Building Connections, host Tracy Dodson sits down with Ned Curran and David Howard to unpack the upcoming 2025 Mecklenburg County Transportation Referendum.
From the history of Charlotte’s transportation planning to the challenges of North Carolina’s state-controlled road network, they explore why new funding tools are being proposed and what better mobility could mean for congestion relief, development, and the region’s future growth.
With 36,000 cars being added to our roads every year, Ned, David and Tracy discuss the need for a clear plan to manage that increase.
This conversation goes beyond headlines to give you the context and clarity you need on one of Mecklenburg County’s biggest decisions.
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45:20
Beyond the Blueprint: The Realities of Development with Welch Liles & Brendan Pierce
In this episode of Building Connections, land use expert and host Bridget Grant sits down with developers Welch Liles (Asana Partners) and Brendan Pierce (Crescent Communities) to take listeners inside the full life cycle of a real estate development.
From shaping a vision and engaging the community to navigating site selection, capital constraints, rezoning battles, impacts of AI and design pivots, they share what it really takes to bring a project to life in today’s market.
Along the way, they discuss how placemaking adds lasting value and why adaptability matters more than ever.
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46:53
Federal Reserve’s Matt Martin Talks Fed Policy, Housing and Growth with Mike Ortlip
In this episode of Building Connections, guest host Mike Ortlip sits down with Matt Martin, Regional Executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Charlotte Branch.
They discuss the Federal Reserve’s role in the economy, monetary policy, and interest rates and explore how national decisions ripple through to the Carolinas' real estate market, workforce and rural development.
From cash circulation during disasters to the economic future of small towns, Matt offers grounded insights for real estate professionals, policymakers, and community leaders navigating a time of market uncertainty and opportunity.
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35:20
A Future-Forward Chat with Nikki Greenberg
In this episode, host Tobe Holmes goes in-depth with futurist and real estate innovator Nikki Greenberg to explore how technology is reshaping the spaces where we live, work and play.
From drone deliveries to AI-driven real estate management, Nikki
offers a dynamic look at what’s coming and how developers and planners can prepare today.
They also discuss generational shifts, regulatory hurdles and
bringing a local lens to global trends. Whether you're fascinated by emerging tech or planning your next big project, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about the future of urban and suburban life.
About Building Connections, The ULI Charlotte Podcast
Building Connections, The ULI Charlotte Podcast, explores the people, development projects, and ideas shaping the future of the Charlotte region and beyond. Each episode dives into the stories of industry leaders, innovators, and community builders in real estate, urban planning, and development. From transformative projects to inspiring leadership stories, we uncover how Charlotte is evolving into a model for sustainable, inclusive growth.
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