Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative - The Affordable Housing Conundrum: New Partners & Cr...
Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative panel of progressive, non-traditional Southwest Michigan housing leaders and local journalists who cover housing, moderated by Gordon Evans, WMUK’s director of content operations. The forum focused on the affordable housing conundrum, answering questions about what we can do next to solve the housing affordability crisis, and was held at the Kalamazoo Public Library, February 5th, 2026.
Panelists:
Gwendolyn Hooker
Shanay Settles
Brad Devereaux
Al Jones
Alek Haak-Frost
Jordyn Hermani
00:00 Introduction
00:00:08 Introduction and Welcome
00:00:11 Event Details and Logging In
00:00:39 Introduction to the Journalism Collaborative
00:01:02 Collaborative’s Efforts and Community Engagement
00:02:02 Introduction of the Panel and Moderator
00:02:14 Panel Discussion Begins
00:02:28 Panelist Introductions
00:02:33 Panelist Insights on Affordable Housing
00:03:53 Community Involvement and Solutions
00:04:32 Questions and Answers Session
00:29:03 Discussion on Global Creativity
00:29:25 Challenges of Rural Housing
00:30:05 Impact of Wages and Housing Costs
00:31:08 Housing Market Dynamics Post-Pandemic
00:33:00 Community Collaboration for Housing Solutions
00:37:01 Affordable Housing Strategies
00:41:00 Innovative Housing Projects and Challenges
00:45:08 Economic Realities of Housing Development
00:50:53 Creative Approaches to Affordable Housing
00:52:02 Senior Living and Community Projects
00:57:53 Downtown Revitalization Initiatives
00:59:33 Debate on Homeless Shelters and Nimbyism
01:00:30 Nimbyism and Community Engagement
01:01:52 Innovative Solutions to Overcome Nimbyism
01:09:29 Challenges in Rural Housing Development
01:17:45 Future Hopes for Housing and Community Development
01:26:44 Introduction and Media Guide Details
01:26:58 Audience Question on Housing Affordability and New Arena
01:28:47 Panel Discussion on Construction and Housing
01:29:47 Information on Economic Stability Grant
01:31:11 Discussion on Housing Types and Needs
01:32:27 Audience Input on Housing Solutions
01:33:35 Closing Remarks and Appreciation
