In this episode, Ryan Glick talks with Sean Pate, City Manager of Bonham, Texas, about how this historic rural town is becoming a rising destination for developers looking to invest outside the crowded metroplex. Sean shares his path into public service and how his early interest in government led to a 25-year career managing and shaping growing communities.
Sean walks through the unique position Bonham holds in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. With strong infrastructure, multiple lakes, and a long-standing history, Bonham is seeing major growth activity, including public improvement districts, multi-phase housing developments, and new mixed-use projects. He explains how his team has taken steps over the past decade to prepare for this moment by investing in infrastructure and long-term planning tools.
Sean also outlines what makes working with Bonham different. From a streamlined zoning and entitlement process to a “start with yes” attitude, Bonham has created a developer-friendly culture that focuses on true partnerships. He shares insights on what developers should keep in mind when pitching a project, particularly the importance of including walkability, trails, and other community features that enhance quality of life.
To wrap things up, Sean offers advice for future city managers, shares what he loves most about Bonham, and reflects on how to keep civic pride and growth in balance.
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.