This milestone episode of The Land Development Podcast celebrates one year of weekly conversations with industry leaders and influencers. Host Ryan Glick sits down with JD Hale, Director of Government Affairs at the Texas Association of Builders, for a deep dive into housing policy, advocacy, and the vital role of land development in Texas’ booming economy.
JD recounts his path from a small-town upbringing to Washington, D.C., where he first discovered his passion for public service and policy. His experiences on Capitol Hill, including working for Senator John Cornyn, laid the foundation for his current role in advocating for Texas homebuilders. JD discusses the importance of grassroots connections, the intricacies of Texas’ political landscape, and how he helps builders navigate evolving regulations.
The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities developers face as Texas welcomes over 1,200 new residents daily. JD highlights the importance of affordable housing, regulatory changes, and how developers can influence policy by getting involved at the local and state levels. He also addresses the impact of recent elections and previews key issues likely to dominate the upcoming legislative session.
Whether you’re a developer, builder, or industry observer, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how housing policy intersects with Texas’ rapid growth. JD’s insights remind listeners of the power of advocacy and the critical role the building industry plays in shaping the future.
Ryan sits down with Peter Murphy Lewis to talk about how storytelling can help developers and builders attract better talent and build stronger teams. They break down simple, practical ways to use video and real stories to stand out in today’s labor market.
Keith Miller joins the show to talk about his focus on building attainably priced homes at scale in Montana, why he’s using factory-built housing, and what it really takes to bring new supply to fast-growing markets.
Ryan and Charles break down falling homebuyer demand, a heated TikTok debate on millennial housing choices, a proposed property tax hike in New York City, and what a shrinking U.S. population could mean for developers.