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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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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

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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 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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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

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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 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

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Summary: Lindsay and I talk about coffee, community, and inclusion.

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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:
- The power of a single prompt “What would you do with $50K and a gap year?”
- 321 Coffee has shipped product to 50 of 50 states.
- How to build more inclusive spaces with “sliders.”
- Lindsay’s dream collaborations.

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About Lindsay:
Lindsay Wrege is the co-founder and CEO of 321 Coffee, a coffee shop and roaster based in Raleigh, NC that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Her inclusive staff, featuring people with down syndrome, autism, and other forms of neurodiversity, together are modeling inclusion for others to follow.

She started this company in her college dorm room, and it now has 5 locations and employs over 50 adults with IDD.

Lindsay believes in the power of using business for social impact.

Connect with Lindsay: Website | LinkedIn

Mentioned in the show:
- Lindsay’s speaking website.

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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 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 away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.

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

Until next time, Thank you!

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Summary: Eric and I talk all about Afordable Housing and housing affordability.

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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:
-Affordable Housing vs affordable housing vs housing affordability definitions.
- The three unique things universities can bring to the housing affordability conversation: convening, research, and education.
-Filtering and the impact of a healthy vacancy rate for housing.

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About Eric:
Eric Maribojoc is a Professor of the Practice at the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also an Associate Director of the UNC Wood Center for Real Estate Studies and leads its Affordable Housing Initiative.

He was most previously the Executive Director of the Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship at the George Mason University School of Business in Fairfax, Virginia.

He is a real estate professional with over 25 years of experience in all facets of commercial and residential properties, working with private real estate investment funds prior to his work in higher education.

Before George Mason, he taught at the graduate real estate program at the Kogod School of Business at American University in Washington D.C., where he earned his MBA in Finance and Real Estate.

He has served on numerous public and civic organizations focused on commercial real estate and housing including the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals, as a board member of the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance, and as a commissioner of the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

Connect with Eric: Website | LinkedIn

Mentioned in the show:
- UNC Leonard W. Wood Center for Real Estate Studies
- Housing Affordability Initiative

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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 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 away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.

As always, I am grateful that

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Summary: Tyler and I talk all about growing an architecture media business.

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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:
- Best advice to architects: Write well, ask better questions.
- Sales is a losing game.
- The challenges and opportunities of growing a media business.

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About Tyler:
Tyler Suomala is the Creator of Growthitect, a weekly newsletter that shares sales & marketing strategies with more than 12k architects.

Connect with Tyler: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

Mentioned in the show:
- Growthitect Podcast
- The Studio
- Growthitect Newsletter

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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 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 away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.

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

Until next time, Thank you!

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Summary: Paul and I talk all about design and its impact on places and spaces.

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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:
- Design is the communication of an idea or concept.
- The difference between a designer and a creative director.
- The benefits of working with passionate people.

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About Paul:
Paul Tuorto is an independent art director & designer based in Raleigh, NC with a focus on identity and packaging design for hospitality concepts and beyond.

Paul and his family also own and operate Benny T’s Vesta - a dry hot sauce made by hand for over 15 years.

Connect with Paul: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Mentioned in the show:
- AIGA
- Bob Ranew
- [BOOK] The Art of Noticing

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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 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 away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.

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

Until next time, Thank you!

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Summary: Sam and I talk all about chocolate and golf and the challenges of entrepreneurship!

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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:
- How Sam had to pivot from his original business plan.
- How golf relates to life.
- The power of blind foolish courage.

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About Sam:
Sam Ratto’s path to the craft of making bean-to-bar chocolate started behind the wheel of a 40-foot RV. Sam used to drive that RV around America slanging skate shoes to skateboarders, surfers, snowboarders and dirt bike racers. But when Sam lost that job in the Great Recession of 2008, he relocated to Raleigh and found a part-time job roasting cacao beans for a local chocolate maker. Sam fell in love with the art and science of making bean-to-bar chocolate from sorting to roasting, grinding and tempering. He quickly started day dreaming of opening his own chocolate factory.

In 2011, Sam opened Videri Chocolate Factory in downtown Raleigh, joining the ranks of the less than two dozen bean-to-bar chocolate makers in the country at the time. Videri chocolate is made with the finest cocoa beans, cocoa butter and organic cane sugar. The company does not use artificial flavorings or fillers, such as soy lecithin, xanthan gum and emulsifiers. All ingredients are thoughtfully procured, using sustainable purchasing standards. Videri’s production facility is allergy friendly and the chocolates are made without tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy or gluten.

Since 2014, Videri has won eight Good Food Awards for its chocolate bars and confections; the awards honor superior tasting products made by companies that demonstrate social and environmental responsibility. Its 4,000 square-foot facility in Raleigh’s Warehouse District is home to a small batch chocolate factory, coffee shop and chocolate shop. In 2023, Videri was named one of the 10 best chocolate shops in the country by USA Today. For five years in a row, Videri has been named Best Chocolate in the Triangle in the annual readers’ poll by Indy Week. Videri has also been featured in GQ, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Condé Nast Traveler, The Associated Press, Our State Magazine, North Carolina Weekend and many more.

In 2017, the Triangle Business Journal named Ratto one of its 40 under 40 winners, which honors outstanding professionals under the age of 40 for their contributions to their organizations and to the community. In 2019, Ratto was honored by the publication in its annual CEO of the Year awards. The company has more than 20 employees and its products are available for purchase at its Raleigh location, online and at various retailers in eight states. More info: viderichocolatefactory.com.

In 2024, he opened Golf Golf Golf Indoor golf lounge & club. Venturing into the golf space has always been a dream and now it is a reality for Sam Ratto. Swing on by, have a beer, high five your pals and have a blast.

Connect with Sam: Videri Chocolate Factory | Golf Golf Golf | LinkedIn | Instagram

Mentioned in the show:
Uncommo