Best International Code Council Podcasts (2026)

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Ep. 105: Shane Talks Housing on Lusk Perspectives 1:01:46

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5h ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Shane makes a guest appearance on USC's Lusk Perspectives to talk state housing law, barriers to missing middle housing and condos, managing transportation systems in densifying cities, building wealth for tenants, and more. Show notes: Overview of 40 years of California ADU reform by the California Housing Defense Fund. State of Los Angeles County…

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Ep. 104: Why We Don't Build Condos with Muhammad Alameldin (Incentives Series pt. 7) 1:07:48

20d ago1:07:48

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Why do many U.S. states build so few condos? Muhammad Alameldin explains the role of construction defect liability laws — and how to fix them. This is part 7 of our series on misaligned incentives in housing policy. Show notes: Alameldin, M., & Karlinsky, S. (2024). Construction Defect Liability in California: How Reform Could Increase Affordable H…

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Episode 88 - Exploring AI with Charlotte Nurse from Canada Learning Code, Featuring Member Spotlights with Greg Graham from WQLC and Angelina Leggo from EQLC 49:34

1M ago49:34

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Have you ever heard of the term "AI literacy"? In this episode, Dan chats with Charlotte Nurse, Director of Programs at Canada Learning Code. Charlotte unpacks what AI really is, how it works, and how we can use it responsibly and effectively, such as a tool to enhance learning and boost productivity. If you're nervous about AI use, you won't want …

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Ep 103: Fire Safety in Multifamily Housing with Alex Horowitz (Incentives Series pt. 6) 59:24

1M ago59:24

59:24

In which types of homes are people safest from fires? Alex Horowitz shares research showing that multifamily is safer than single-family housing, newer homes are much safer than older homes, and that a single stairwell’s just as good as two. This is part 6 of our series on misaligned incentives in housing policy. Show notes: Rodnyansky, S., Horowit…

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Ep 102: Minimum Standards vs. Affordability with Benjamin Schneider (Incentives Series pt. 5) 55:33

2M ago55:33

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We’ve been grappling with trade-offs between stricter building codes and declining affordability for over 100 years. Benjamin Schneider helps us trace the history. This is part 5 of our series on misaligned incentives in housing policy. Show notes: Schneider, B. (2025). The Unfinished Metropolis: Igniting the City-Building Revolution. Island Press.…

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Episode 87 - Let’s Talk Money This Financial Literacy Month: Conversations with Li Zhang from CPA Canada, Featuring Rachel Wagner from South Shore Literacy Council 49:51

2M ago49:51

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Talking about money can often feel anxiety-inducing for many of us...but it doesn't have to be. Join host Dan Laxer as he chats with Li Zhang, Director of Social Impact and Financial Literacy Leader at CPA Canada. Li leads CPA Canada’s Financial Literacy Program and Indigenous Mentorship Program, helping Canadians build confidence in managing their…

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Ep 101: Beyond Zoning with John Zeanah and Andre D. Jones (Incentives Series pt. 4) 1:10:15

2M ago1:10:15

1:10:15

Your city just legalized “missing middle” housing in its zoning code… now what? With Memphis, Tennessee, as a case study, John Zeanah and Andre D. Jones discuss the hidden non-zoning barriers to developing small apartment buildings — and how to lower them. This is part 4 of our series on misaligned incentives in housing policy. Show notes: Zeanah, …

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Episode 65: Lahaina's Fire and the Future of Resilient Building in Hawaii 52:29

2M ago52:29

52:29

In early August 2023, Hawaii wildfires destroyed over 2,200 structures, caused an estimated $5.5 billion in damage, and most tragically claimed the lives of over 100 people. In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we gathered key experts to discuss the Lahaina fire and Hawaii wildfires, emphasizing building safety and codes — how they shaped the …

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Ep 100: The Big 100!! Listener Questions, (Re-)Meet the Hosts, and Book Club 1:28:19

3M ago1:28:19

1:28:19

The hosts gather to celebrate the 100th episode of UCLA Housing Voice. We also answer listener questions and announce the first book for our book club. Show notes: Appelbaum, Y. (2025). Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity. Penguin Random House. Appelbaum, Y. (2025 February 10). How Progressives Froz…

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Episode 86 - Unlocking Health Literacy: Conversations with Therese Callahan from ARC, Featuring Marlene Dagenais from Laurentian Literacy Centre! 25:57

3M ago25:57

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Join Dan Laxer as he chats with Therese Callahan, the Community Outreach Coordinator at Assistance and Referral Centre (ARC), for an insightful conversation on health literacy! In this episode, they dive into the amazing work ARC does to help English-speaking Quebecers on the South Shore navigate health and social services. Dan and Therese also tal…

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Ep 99: The ‘International’ Code Council with Jesse Zwick (Incentives Series pt. 3) 43:54

3M ago43:54

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North American buildings are built different — literally. Councilmember Jesse Zwick explains how the organization behind our unusual standards is built to fail, and he makes the case for a new approach. This is part 3 of our series on misaligned incentives in housing policy. Show notes: Zwick, J. (2025). Out of Code: The Hidden Costs of US Building…

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Ep 98: Elevators with Stephen Smith (Incentives Series pt. 2) 1:15:24

4M ago1:15:24

1:15:24

Elevators in the U.S. and Canada cost 3–5 times as much as elevators in other high-income countries. Stephen Smith explains why and how our well-intentioned elevator standards make cities less safe and accessible. This is part two of our series on misaligned incentives in housing policy. Show notes: Smith, S. (2024). Elevators. Center for Building …

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Ep 97: Single-Stair Buildings and Eco-Districts with Michael Eliason (Incentives Series pt. 1) 1:23:25

4M ago1:23:25

1:23:25

This is the first episode of our series on misaligned incentives in housing policy. Michael Eliason shares insights from his book, Building for People, on building code reforms and eco-district redevelopment projects throughout Europe. Show notes: Eliason, M. (2024). Building for People: Designing Livable, Affordable, Low-Carbon Communities. Island…

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Ep 96: Direct-to-Tenant Rent Assistance with Vincent Reina 1:10:08

4M ago1:10:08

1:10:08

Housing vouchers provide critical assistance to low-income renters, but roughly 40% of vouchers go unused, in part due to difficulty finding landlords to accept them. Vincent Reina shares findings from a pilot program that instead gives cash assistance directly to tenants. Abstract: This article examines a new rental assistance program in Philadelp…

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A few announcements! 3:07

5M ago3:07

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Our next interview will be out soon. In the meantime, we're asking for listener questions for a special recording celebrating our 100th episode)(!!), and ideas for a UCLA Housing Voice book club. Send 'em to [email protected] UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies

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Episode 85 - Back to School with Joseph D'Intino (The Montreal Fluency Centre) 30:35

5M ago30:35

30:35

In time for back-to-school season, Dan chats with Joseph D'Intino, a psychologist (Ph.D.) from The Montreal Fluency Centre, ⁠about the challenges that children may experience when transitioning to new grades or schools. How can children and parents navigate these changes? Joseph offers his insight and top tips. The Montreal Fluency Centre website: …

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Ep 95: Low-Rise Multifamily with Tobias Peter 1:05:47

5M ago1:05:47

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Seattle’s low-rise multifamily zones have produced more than 20,000 townhomes over the past 30 years. Tobias Peter discusses the impacts on affordability, homeownership, and more — including lessons for other cities. Show notes: Peter, T., Pinto, E., & Tracy, J. (2025). Low-Rise Multifamily and Housing Supply: A Case Study of Seattle. Journal of Ho…

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Encore Episode: Housing Vouchers with Rob Collinson 1:09:36

6M ago1:09:36

1:09:36

Episode Summary: Every year, more than two million low-income households receive rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher program, a federal program that helps renters afford housing on the private market. Currently, only about one-quarter of those eligible for vouchers receive them due to lack of program funding, though Democrats and t…

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Episode 84 - Melissa Racine - Screentime with MediaSmarts 15:04

6M ago15:04

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In our latest epsiode, Dan chats with Melissa Racine from MediaSmarts about the challenges of managing screentime in today's digital age. They delve into practical strategies for balancing screen use, particularly for children and families. Melissa shares tips on setting limits, encouraging healthy tech habits, and fostering open communication rega…

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Ep 94: Ride-hailing for People with Disabilities with Abigail Cochran (Road Scholars pt. 4) 1:05:18

7M ago1:05:18

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For people with disabilities, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft can be a lifeline or a pain — or both. Abigail Cochran shares what she learned from individuals with disabilities about what’s working and what’s not. Show Notes: Cochran, A. L. (2022). How and why do people with disabilities use app-based ridehailing? Case Studies on Transport …

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Episode 64: Beyond Compliance: Elevating Construction Through Partnership 46:12

7M ago46:12

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In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we explore building science in the International Residential Code® and the need for collaboration between builders and code officials – emphasizing the importance of smarter building practices. Host Beau Hanson sits down with home builder Matt Risinger, host of the The Build Show and founding partner of Ris…

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Episode 83 - Julia Norcross - Preventing the Summer Slide 17:54

7M ago17:54

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Join our host, Dan Laxer, as he welcomes Julia Norcross, Programs Manager at ABC Life Literacy Canada. They dive into the "Summer Slide"—the challenge of students losing some academic gains over summer break. Julia shares practical tips and creative strategies to help families keep their literacy skills sharp while enjoying all those summer adventu…

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Ep 93: Equity Requirements in US Shared Micromobility Programs with Anne Brown (Road Scholars pt. 3) 1:04:36

7M ago1:04:36

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Shared micromobility programs offering scooters and bikes have exploded across the US in recent years, but the benefits haven't been shared evenly. Anne Brown joins to discuss the equity goals and mandates cities are requiring of operators, and which seem to be most effective. Show Notes: Brown, A., & Howell, A. (2024). Mobility for the people: Equ…

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Ep 92: How Housing Influences Transportation Choices with Adam Millard-Ball (Road Scholars pt. 2) 50:16

8M ago50:16

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Do people drive less because they live in buildings that don’t provide parking, or do they live in buildings that don’t provide parking because they drive less? That question has huge implications for how we build and rebuild our cities, yet researchers have struggled for decades to answer it conclusively. UCLA professor Adam Millard-Ball joins us …

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Ep 91: Neighborhood Change and Transit Ridership with Mike Manville (Road Scholars pt. 1) 51:40

8M ago51:40

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Many studies have looked at the effects of new transit infrastructure on housing prices, gentrification, and other neighborhood changes. But how does housing policy — specifically rising rents and worsening affordability — affect transit? Mike Manville takes the guest seat in the first episode of our four-part series on transportation research: Roa…

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Episode 63: Tales From the Code Development Process 40:16

9M ago40:16

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In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we build on our previous episode, How to Participate in the Code Development Process, by diving deeper into real-world experiences from those who've actively contributed to shaping the codes we use today. Featuring familiar voices from the Code Council's code development process, our expert guests share per…

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Episode 62: How to Participate in the Code Development Process 55:37

9M ago55:37

55:37

Season 7 of the ICC Pulse Podcast is here, and to kick things off we're exploring the ins and outs of the International Code Council's code development process – just in time for the 2025 Committee Action Hearings (April 27 - May 6, 2025)! Learn what the process entails, how it shapes the building safety codes we rely on and discover how you can ge…

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Ep 90: How to Evaluate Zoning Reforms with Aaron Barrall pt. 2 1:04:34

9M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

When a city proposes zoning changes, how do you know whether they’ll be effective? Aaron Barrall shares how we approached the problem in Los Angeles, with lessons for similar upzoning efforts around the world. This is the second episode in a two-part conversation. Show notes: Barrall, A., & Phillips, S. (2024). CHIPing In: Evaluating the effects of…

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Road Scholars Trailer 0:59

9M ago0:59

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By UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies

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Ep 89: How to Evaluate Zoning Reforms with Aaron Barrall pt. 1 1:03:57

9M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

When a city proposes zoning changes, how do you know whether they’ll be effective? Aaron Barrall shares how we approached the problem in Los Angeles, with lessons for similar upzoning efforts around the world. This is the first episode in a two-part conversation. Show notes: Barrall, A., & Phillips, S. (2024). CHIPing In: Evaluating the effects of …

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Ep 88: Improving Voucher Outcomes with Dionissi Aliprantis 1:07:57

10M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

Helping people move to higher-opportunity neighborhoods requires knowing which neighborhoods are actually better. Are we any good at it? Dionissi Aliprantis shares his research on measuring neighborhood opportunity and the rent assistance program features that could meaningfully reduce racial segregation. Show notes: Aliprantis, D., Martin, H., & T…

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Episode 82 - Alix Adrien - Quebec Board of Black Educators, Diversity and Inclusivity in the Education System, and More 34:43

10M ago34:43

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In this episode, Dan chats with Alix Adrien, a lifelong educator and President of the Quebec Board of Black Educators (QBBE), a nonprofit education and research institution committed to raising awareness on educational bias, as well as providing academic support and opportunities to communities of colour. Dan chats with Alix about his journey and e…

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Ep 87: Rental Voucher Lease-Up Rates with Sarah Strochak 49:25

10M ago49:25

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Housing Choice vouchers help lower-income tenants pay rent, yet only about 60% of issued vouchers result in a successful lease-up. Sarah Strochak joins to share how lease-up rates vary for different groups and markets, and how reforming voucher policies could improve the lease-up process and get more people into affordable homes. Show notes: Ellen,…

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Ep 86: Where the Hood At? with Mike Lens 1:17:01

11M ago1:17:01

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How have conditions changed since 1970 in neighborhoods where Black residents are the largest racial or ethnic group? Mike Lens wrote a whole book on the subject: Where the Hood At? Fifty Years of Change in Black Neighborhoods. He takes the guest mic to share what he learned. Book summary: Substantial gaps exist between Black Americans and other ra…

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Ep 85: Wildfires, Displacement and Housing Prices with Hannah Hennighausen 58:57

11M ago58:57

58:57

On January 7th, the Palisades and Eaton fires erupted in Los Angeles, killing dozens of people, displacing tens of thousands, and destroying more than 15,000 structures. What will this mean for housing affordability in the already-strained region? Hannah Hennighausen joins to share her research on the 2018 Camp Fire's effect on housing prices and m…

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Episode 81 - Barbara Reid - Family Literacy Day 19:43

12M ago19:43

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Join Dan Laxer and award-winning author and illustrator Barbara Reid in a special Family Literacy episode of the What’s Literacy? podcast. Together, they discuss the importance of learning together as a family, how to foster a love of reading in young children, and so much more. Tune in today and unlock the power of family literacy! Barbara's websi…

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Ep 84: A Review of Rent Control Research with Konstantin Kholodilin 1:06:25

12M ago1:06:25

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Rent control is one of the most hotly debated housing policies, and also one of the most researched. Konstantin Kholodilin reviewed over 200 rent control studies, dating back decades and spanning six continents, and he joins us to give an overview of their results. Show notes: Kholodilin, K. A. (2024). Rent control effects through the lens of empir…

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Encore Episode: Family-Friendly Urbanism with Louis Thomas 1:07:15

1y ago1:07:15

1:07:15

In most of the U.S., cities are for singles, roommates, and childless couples, and the suburbs are for raising kids. That’s not true of much of the rest of the world, and perhaps the nearest example of family-friendly urbanism can be found just a few miles to the north, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Vancouver’s under-15 population fell by one per…

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Episode 61: The Noble Path to Master Code Professional 38:39

1y ago38:39

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In the final episode of Season 6 of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we discuss the Master Code Professional (MCP) credential offered by the International Code Council, explaining its criteria, significance and the professional growth opportunities it provides. The episode features insights from industry professionals, personal stories of achieving MCP statu…

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Ep 83: Local Effects of Upzoning with Simon Büchler and Elena Lutz 1:01:15

1y ago1:01:15

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Urban upzonings have been rare across the world, and many of the most significant occurred only in the past 5–10 years or less. One exception is the canton of Zurich, Switzerland, where cities and towns have been relaxing land use restrictions for over 25 years. Simon Büchler and Elena Lutz share their research on the long-term effects of these ref…

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Ep 82: Lessons From the UK Housing Shortage with Anthony Breach 1:03:14

1y ago1:03:14

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What happens to housing quality and affordability when any proposed development can be vetoed? Can the public sector reliably deliver most of the housing that people need? If it can, should it? Ant Breach shares insights from the Centre for Cities’ report on the United Kingdom’s homebuilding crisis. Show notes: Watling, S., & Breach, A. (2023). The…

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Episode 60: The Code Council's Past, Present and Future 50:35

1y ago50:35

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In this bonus 30th anniversary episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we sat down with three influential leaders in the building safety industry to explore the history of the Code Council, advice for growth and success in the industry and the evolving landscape of building safety. Recorded live at the 2024 International Code Council Annual Conference in…

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Episode 80 - Elizabeth Robinson from ABC Life Literacy Canada - Financial Literacy Month 18:32

1y ago18:32

18:32

In the latest episode of What’s Literacy?, we have a new podcast host taking the mic! Dan Laxer is a writer with several years' experience in broadcast media and print journalism. He currently covers the west end for The Suburban, and teaches media and podcasting to elementary school students. Dan interviews Elizabeth Robinson from ABC Life Literac…

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Ep 81: How New Zealand Passed Its Ambitious Zoning Reforms with Eleanor West 1:10:55

1y ago1:10:55

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In a previous episode we discussed Auckland’s unprecedented upzoning and its effect on housing production and land prices. This time we’re joined by Eleanor West to talk about the political, social, and economic conditions that made the reforms possible — not only in Auckland, but across New Zealand. Show notes: West, E. (2024). Up-zoning New Zeala…

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Ep 80: Inclusionary Housing Goes International with Anna Granath Hansson 58:38

1y ago58:38

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Inclusionary zoning policies are commonly used to produce affordable housing and “social mix” in the U.S., but what about in Europe, where public housing and strong social welfare programs have historically met those needs? Anna Granath Hansson shares research on emerging inclusionary housing policies in the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway…

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Episode 59: Behind the Scenes at American Plumber Stories 42:06

1y ago42:06

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In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we highlight American Plumber Stories, a docuseries featuring plumbers across the nation who share their passion, career beginnings, advice for future plumbers and the rewards of their trade. Listeners will enjoy the personal history of our host, Beau Hansen's six-generation plumbing family, the impact of A…

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Ep 79: Who Pays For Inclusionary Zoning with Shane Phillips 1:07:20

1y ago1:07:20

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Inclusionary zoning policies use the market to produce affordable housing, but nothing comes for free. So who pays? Shane takes the guest seat to discuss his analysis of IZ in Los Angeles, making the case that it’s not developers or high-income renters who bear the cost, but all renters — poor, middle income, and wealthy alike. Show notes: Phillips…

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Encore Episode: Inclusionary Zoning with Emily Hamilton 1:05:34

1+ y ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Cities have lived with exclusionary zoning for decades, if not generations. Is inclusionary zoning the answer? Inclusionary zoning, or IZ, requires developers to set aside a share of units in new buildings for low- or moderate-income households, seeking to increase the supply of affordable homes and integrate neighborhoods racially and socioeconomi…

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Episode 58: Behind the Scenes at ICC-ES/NTA and ICC-ES Labs 40:58

1+ y ago40:58

40:58

In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we dive into the roles, functions and importance of the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) and ICC-ES Labs in the construction industry, featuring expert insights on evaluation, certification and industry innovations. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these organiz…

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Encore Episode: Market-Rate Development and Neighborhood Rents with Evan Mast 46:53

1+ y ago46:53

46:53

We’ve long known that building more homes helps keep prices in check at the regional or metro area level, but what about the house down the street? Evan Mast shares two research studies that shed light on this important and controversial question. Originally aired in 2021. Updated show notes. Show notes: Mast, E. (2023). JUE Insight: The effect of …