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Dirt NC

Dirt NC

By: Jed Byrne
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Conversations about all thing built environment in the Tar Heel State. We will be discussing places and spaces and the people who make them awesome!

© 2025 Dirt NC
Economics Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Interview with Emila Sutton with The City of Raleigh in Raleigh, NC
    Jul 14 2025

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    Summary: Emila and I discuss housing and homelessness at the City level.

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    Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development, you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!
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    Big Takeaways:
    - When it comes to homelessness, it costs more to do nothing than it costs to do something.
    - The definition of functional zero homelessness.
    - As housing affordability decreases, homelessness tends to increase.

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    About Emila:
    Sutton currently serves as the Housing & Neighborhoods Director for the City of Raleigh, overseeing initiatives in affordable housing, homelessness, small business development, and code enforcement programs. The department's goal is to increase the supply of safe, decent, and affordable housing, and overall enhance the lives of Raleigh residents. Key programs include affordable housing rental development, homeownership assistance, small business development, home rehabilitation, and several homelessness-related initiatives.

    Sutton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a Master’s degree in History, and a Juris Doctor (JD).

    Connect with Emila: Website | LinkedIn

    Mentioned in the show:
    - The cost of homelessness in Dallas & Collin Counties
    - Ending Chronic Homelessness Saves Taxpayers Money
    - Raleigh Resources for Housing Crises and Homelessness
    - [Book] Homelessness is a Housing Problem
    - 2017 HUD and National Alliance to End Homelessness - cost of homelessness

    Additional Resources:
    - [Video] Can luxury housing do anything for homelessness?
    - [Podcast] Episode 66: Chronic Homelessness and Housing First with Tim Aubry (Pathways Home pt. 6)

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    Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development, you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!

    Show Notes:
    Welcome to Dirt NC, where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome. I am your host, Jed Byrne.

    Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have worked on nearly every aspect of the land use ecosystem. This show provides an opportunity for me to share what I've learned with you, as well as introduce you to some of my friends, both ne

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Interview with Zachery Eanes of Axios in Durham, NC
    Jun 26 2025

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    Summary: Zachery and I talk about all things local media.

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    Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development, you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!
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    Big Takeaways:
    - The process of producing Axios.
    - The intersection of media and education.
    - The tradeoffs in development and growth.

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    About Zachery:
    Zachery Eanes is a reporter with Axios Raleigh, where he covers everything from statewide business and economic trends to local politics.

    Connect with Zachery: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

    Mentioned in the show:
    - The Bike Library
    - [Book] Abundance
    - Subscribe to Axios Raleigh

    ________________________________________________________

    Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development, you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!

    Show Notes:
    Welcome to Dirt NC, where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome. I am your host, Jed Byrne.

    Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have worked on nearly every aspect of the land use ecosystem. This show provides an opportunity for me to share what I've learned with you, as well as introduce you to some of my friends, both new and old, who are doing transformative work.

    With each episode of Dirt NC, my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straightforward.

    As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments, questions, or suggestions about Dirt NC or any land-use related matter, you can connect with me at www.oakcitycre.com.

    Until next time, thank you!

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Interview with Kallie Walker of Kane Realty Corporation in Raleigh, NC
    Apr 24 2025

    Send us a text

    Summary: Kallie and I talk all about development and what’s happening at North Hills and beyond.

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    Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!
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    Big Take Aways:
    - Developers aren’t responsible for growth.
    - Learning about simple Bike/Pedestrian infrastructure in New Zealand.
    - The importance of “pioneering” capital and development.

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    About Kallie:
    Since joining Kane Realty in 2015, Kallie has risen through the ranks to her current position as Director of Development, managing mixed-use development projects throughout Raleigh from conception to completion. During her tenure, she has overseen over $1 billion in development, with projects including The Dillon in Downtown Raleigh and Peace Apartments & Publix grocery store in Downtown's revitalized Smoky Hollow neighborhood. Her largest project to date is the North Hills Main District Expansion, which replaces underutilized retail and parking with a dense, urban redevelopment focused on outdoor space and walkability.

    She is passionate about urban infill, maximizing utility of underused sites and infusing her community with lasting vitality. A creative problem solver, she loves putting together the many, varied pieces of a complex project.

    Originally from Atlanta, Kallie found her way to North Carolina after graduating from the University of South Carolina and now considers Raleigh home. She lives in Five Points with her husband and two dogs, and when she is not working toward a bright future for her home city, you can find her traveling and saltwater flyfishing.

    Connect with Kallie: Website | LinkedIn

    Mentioned in the show:
    - Makers Alley
    - Urban Land Institute Triangle
    - Development Stake Holders Meeting
    - Capital Stack Explainer Video
    - North Hills Innovation District (NHID)
    - New Zealand Cycling Network Map

    ________________________________________________________

    Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!

    Show Notes:
    Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.

    Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.

    With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins

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