Casita Coalition and Zillow Launch the ‘Build the Middle’ Playbook at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's #ALC53

In a moment of celebration, innovation, and progress, the Casita Coalition proudly joined forces with Zillow to unveil the trailblazing Build the Middle Playbook at the 2024 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. This milestone marks a pivotal step toward addressing the housing affordability crisis, offering a strategic roadmap for expanding middle housing options nationwide–unlocking affordable housing solutions for communities across the country. 

Casita Coalition also participated in Zillow’s powerful "UnDesign the Redline" exhibit, which sheds light on the enduring impact of redlining. Together, these efforts underscore a shared commitment to fostering equitable, inclusive housing solutions for all. The event was infused with a spirit of collaboration, inclusivity, and determination, with the panel addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time: the housing crisis.

An Unforgettable Session: A Spotlight on Change

At the heart of the housing discussion, Casita Coalition, Zillow, and other housing advocates took center stage to present a powerful session focused on housing equity and affordability. This inspiring gathering highlighted the need for innovative solutions, particularly in addressing the affordability gap that disproportionately affects communities of color. Through a series of “Flash Talks” and interviews, speakers discussed how thoughtful reform, technology, and collaboration can bridge this gap and ensure housing opportunities for all. The powerhouse of panelists included:

Jennifer Butler is VP of Government and Community Relations at Zillow, leading efforts to expand Zillow's civic footprint, addressing housing issues through state, local, and community engagement with nonprofits, businesses, and policymakers.

Katherine Peoples McGill is a social entrepreneur and founder of HPP CARES, a HUD-approved housing counseling agency and CDE/CDFI. Focused on empowering low-income communities and people of color, HPP CARES has impacted tens of thousands through programs on foreclosure prevention, first-time home buying, financial literacy, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Katherine is also Vice Chair of the Casita Coalition and has significantly impacted the ADU landscape by promoting ADU financing and equitable lending practices, and contributing to the $90M+ ADU fund through her work with the California Housing Finance Agency.

Jillian White, SRA-designated appraiser, advocates for homeowner empowerment and fairness in real estate appraisal, serving on major industry boards like The Appraisal Foundation.

Dr. Vanessa Perry, Interim Dean at George Washington University, researches housing and financial markets and has held leadership roles at HUD and Freddie Mac, focusing on housing equity.

Roz Francuz-Harris, VP of Talent Acquisition at Zillow, is recognized for building diverse recruiting teams and creating representation initiatives at WarnerMedia, Slack, and Uber.

Assembly Member Chantel Jackson, LMSW, represents New York’s 79th District, securing key legislative wins on gun control and promoting community initiatives in mental health and entrepreneurship.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland represents Washington’s 10th District and serves as Whip for the Congressional Black Caucus, championing housing, economic equity, and minority-owned businesses.

Assembly Member Chantel Jackson, LMSW, represents New York's 79th District, advocating for mental health, housing, and entrepreneurship. She has secured significant legislative wins, including stricter firearm regulations, and championed community-focused initiatives on health and economic empowerment.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland represents Washington's 10th District and is the first African American to represent Washington at the federal level. Recently elected as Whip for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), she plays a key role in coalition-building and aligning the CBC’s legislative priorities. A champion of housing, economic equity, and minority-owned businesses, she has been instrumental in navigating the economic recovery post-pandemic. 

The Build the Middle Playbook: A Blueprint for Action

The highlight of the session was the unveiling of the Build the Middle Playbook, a comprehensive guide designed to help advocates, policymakers, and everyday citizens take concrete steps to expand housing options in their communities. Developed in partnership with Zillow, the playbook offers insights into overcoming zoning barriers, financing challenges, and other obstacles that prevent the construction of middle housing, such as townhomes, duplexes, and ADUs.

Why is this Playbook so Important for Equity?

As Katherine and the Casita Coalition team explained, it serves as a blueprint for housing equity, drawing on successful models from across the country and Canada. In California, where over 113,000 ADUs have been permitted since 2017, the state’s progressive approach to middle housing has set a powerful example for others to follow. The playbook builds on these successes and offers actionable strategies for states and cities looking to replicate these results.

“The Build the Middle Playbook is a tool for anyone who believes in the power of housing as a foundation for equity and opportunity,” Katherine shared in conversation with peers. “Whether you're a housing advocate, legislator, or a concerned neighbor, this guide will help you bring middle housing solutions to life in your community.”

Equity at the Core: Housing as a Civil Rights Issue

Throughout the session, there was a deep focus on equity, particularly how housing reform can address the long-standing disparities faced by communities of color. The legacy of redlining, exclusionary zoning, and discriminatory lending practices has left many Black and Brown families locked out of homeownership and, by extension, wealth-building opportunities. The Build the Middle Playbook directly tackles these inequities by advocating for policies that promote diverse, affordable housing in all communities.

As Katherine emphasized, “Housing equity is the civil rights issue of our generation. We cannot talk about closing the wealth gap without addressing the need for attainable entry-point homes, like ADUs, for communities of color.”

The partnership between Casita Coalition and Zillow, as well as their participation in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, underscores their shared commitment to creating a more inclusive housing market. By leveraging innovation, advocating for policy reform, and empowering local communities, we are working to ensure that everyone has access to attainable housing.

A Call to Action: Building the Middle Together

The session concluded with a powerful call to action: “Join us in building the middle,” Katherine urged the audience. “This is the most exciting and impactful work happening in housing today, and we need everyone’s voice to make a difference.”

The Build the Middle Playbook is more than just a guide—it’s a movement. It represents a collective effort to break down the barriers to affordable housing and create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The housing shortage and affordability crises can be solved, and with leaders like those in our coalition and ecosystem throughout the country and epic partnerships like Casita Coalition and Zillow leading the charge, we are one step closer to achieving that vision.

Let’s continue to work together, share the playbook, and build a more equitable housing future for all!