The Think Brazos Podcast
”Think local. Think Brazos!” The Think Brazos Podcast hosts conversations with locals, politicians, and experts to discuss policies that impact housing affordability, economic opportunity, and financial resiliency for families in Brazos County. Disclosure and disclaimer: The purpose of the Think Brazos Podcast is to present to the public a deeper sense of who the candidates are who hope to lead this community and to create a space for them to present their ideas, especially about housing and affordability. However, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Bryan-College Station Habitat for Humanity (which created and sponsors Think Brazos) does not and cannot endorse any particular candidate or political party. The open dialogue we create by doing our utmost to speak to every candidate for a particular political race we decide to cover should in no way be construed as an endorsement of the candidate or his/her political party. Further, the ideas and opinions expressed by the candidates we interview are purely their own and not necessarily those of Habitat for Humanity. Housing affordability is an important issue, so we thank you for following the Think Brazos Podcast. Executive Producer - Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity, Inc. Producers - Charles and Whitney Coats Host - Charles Coats Videographer and Sound Engineer - Mario Treviño
Episodes
Join us on this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast as we host Texas State Representative Paul Dyson. From the Reese Avonley Homes Studio in Bryan, Texas. Dyson shares insights on legislative challenges, affordable housing issues across the state, the impact of unfunded mandates, and his firsthand experiences during his first legislative session. He also discusses plans for the future, including property tax relief and the impact f...
**Heads up**
⚠️ We had an audio glitch during part of our interview with David Brower.
You’ll notice a dip in sound quality in the second half of the interview—but we promise it’s worth powering through.
In this episode of the Think Brazos podcast, host Charles Coats speaks with David Brower, the Community Development Administrator for the City of College Station. They delve into the city's housing action plan, its goals, and the s...
In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, Mayor John Nichols of College Station joins us to discuss various challenges and legislative issues affecting housing affordability in Texas. The conversation delves into the implications of impact fees, local control versus state legislation, and the unique housing demands caused by Texas A&M University's large student population. Mayor Nichols also explains the city's efforts to ad...
Addressing Housing Affordability with Rep. Paul Dyson
In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, host Charles Coats welcomes Representative Paul Dyson of House District 14 in Texas to discuss the current legislative session. The conversation delves into the pressing issue of housing affordability in Texas, exploring proposed bills and solutions like House Bill 5489, which aims to impose a moratorium on impact fees to ease housing...
We sit down with Salim Furth, Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center, George Mason University. We dive deep into state-level housing bills and explore what's being proposed in Texas’ 89th Legislative Session to enhance housing affordability and attainability. Discover the impact of HB878, the benefits of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and the broader implications of zoning reforms on pr...
In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, Justin Wager discusses his plans and aspirations for Bryan, Texas, as he campaigns for Place 6 on the Bryan City Council. Justin shares insights about his upbringing in Bryan, his early interest in politics, and how his background in the family restaurant business influences his perspective. He addresses key policy areas such as infrastructure improvements, downtown revitalization, zonin...
Join us on this episode of the Think Brazos podcast as we sit down with Kevin Boriskie, Place 6 at Large Council Member and re-election candidate for the City of Bryan. Kevin, a fourth-generation Bryan resident with extensive experience in community development and finance, shares his insights on maintaining affordable housing, enhancing public transportation, and strategically planning for community growth. He emphasizes the impor...
On this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, join us for an engaging conversation with Bob Achgill, a candidate for the third single-member district of the Bryan City Council. Achgill delves into his transition from a petrochemical engineer to a community advocate, shares his experiences in Russia, and highlights his work with the deaf community. The discussion covers key issues such as Bryan's housing affordability, public transpo...
In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, host Charles Coats interviews Jared Salvato, candidate for Bryan City Council District 3, as he shares his vision for Bryan, Texas. Councilman Salvato discusses his background in banking and finance, affordable housing, and strategies for revitalizing neighborhoods through multifamily projects. The conversation covers Bryan's housing market challenges, economic development initiatives, i...
In this episode of Think Brazos Podcast, Charles interviews Patrick Giammalva, a candidate for City Council District 5 in Bryan, Texas. Giamalva emphasizes the need for a city council with vision focused on current community needs, advocating for infrastructure improvements, park restoration, and addressing the city's affordable housing challenges. He highlights his past efforts in clean-up initiatives and stresses the importance o...
This episode of the Think Brazos Podcast features Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, a candidate for Single Member District Five on the Bryan City Council. Shurtleff discusses her ongoing commitment to Bryan's development, highlighting her achievements in economic growth and her plans for diverse housing solutions. The conversation also covers public transportation, city collaboration, and the importance of local governance for community bette...
Shane Savage, a lifelong Bryan resident and owner of a local business, discusses his campaign for Place 4 of the Bryan City Council. Savage outlines his platform, emphasizing the need to reconnect the city council with Bryan's working-class citizens and address key issues like affordable housing and public transportation. He also highlights the importance of supporting local businesses. Savage believes his fresh perspective can con...
Bryan City Council Member James Edge discusses his commitment to public service in Bryan, Texas, emphasizing his belief in the effectiveness of local governance. Edge shares his journey to the city council, his family's longstanding ties to the community, and his career in real estate and governmental roles. Key topics include affordable housing challenges, infrastructure development, and maintaining neighborhood integrity. Edge al...
In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, host Charles Coats sits down with Martin Zimmermann, director of Development Services for the City of Bryan. Martin shares insights into his role and responsibilities, which include overseeing building permits and construction projects. The discussion covers various housing types, such as manufactured and modular homes, and their allowances within Bryan's city limits. They also delve int...
Bryan Caplan is an economist and George Mason University professor. Caplan shares his insights on reducing housing costs and details his newly published book "Build, Baby, Build: the Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation." He jokingly claims that his book is the "most fascinating book ever" on housing because it is a non-fiction graphic novel. We would like to thank the Private Enterprise Research Center at Texas A&M Univers...
This episode of the Think Brazos Podcast features David Brower from the City of College Station's Community Services Department discussing the housing challenges and opportunities facing the city post-COVID. With housing prices and rents skyrocketing, Brower discusses the city's efforts through various initiatives to improve affordability, including a Housing Action Plan Steering Committee. Brower highlights the importance of commu...
Jeff Miller is a candidate for the Texas House of Representatives District 14, but you won't find him on the ballot this Tuesday. That's because he's running as a Libertarian and their party has a separate election process. Listen to this episode to learn more about Jeff, why he's running for the state house, and his perspective on the Libertarian party. The Brazos County Libertarian Precinct Convention is Tuesday, March 12 at C&am...
Dee Mullins is a journalist and former city councilwoman from Huntsville, Texas. She is running to be the next representative to the Texas House District 12. Mullins is unopposed in the Democratic primary on Super Tuesday March 5, 2024. Texas House District 12 is currently represented by Kyle Kacal, who is not seeking re-election.
NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS.
The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with the candidates ...
John Harvey Slocum is a native of College Station, Texas and is running to be the next representative for district 12 in the Texas House of Representatives. He faces Ben Bius and Trey Wharton in the Republican primary on Super Tuesday March 5, 2024. Texas House District 12 is currently represented by Kyle Kacal, who is not seeking re-election.
NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS.
The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with th...
Ben Bius is a Huntsville native and is running for Texas House of Representatives District 12. He faces Trey Wharton and John Harvey Slocum in the Republican primary on Super Tuesday March 5, 2024. Texas House District 12 is currently represented by Kyle Kacal, who is not seeking re-election.
NO ENDORSEMENT. JUST PODCASTS.
The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with the candidates for Texas House Districts 12 and 14 lead...
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