The American Real Estate Association has launched ARA Talks, a new podcast co-hosted by ARA Co-Founder Jason Haber and The Agency’s Mauricio Umansky that brings together policymakers and thought leaders to address one of the most pressing issues facing families today — housing affordability.
The debut season opens with a candid conversation with Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois, whose recently unveiled BUILD Plan — Building Up Illinois Developments — represents one of the most ambitious state-level housing reform initiatives in the country. The plan proposes sweeping changes to zoning law, permitting, and capital investment aimed at dramatically expanding the supply of affordable and middle-income housing across the state.
With home prices up nearly 50 percent over five years, rents outpacing incomes, and inventory at historic lows, ARA aims to lead direct discussions with those driving change. “No filter. No spin. Just the real conversation,” as Umansky put it.
For Haber, kicking off the podcast with Governor Pritzker sets the tone for ARA Talks, which is designed to be a setting where bold, comprehensive policy gets honest examination. “He sat down with us and walked through what it takes to move legislation like this, what the resistance looks like, and why he believes Illinois can be a model for the country,” Haber said. “That’s the episode you want to hear first.”
