Episode 100 | Part One: Carmen Romero, President and CEO, Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH)

ChangeMakers with Katie Goar

In this episode, Katie is joined by ChangeMaker Carmen Romero, President and CEO of the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH). Carmen shares her inspiring journey from corporate finance at major companies like Marriott to finding her true calling in affordable housing development. Carmen provides an inside look at the monumental challenges APAH has faced in creating affordable housing in the supply-constrained DC metro area. Despite adding over 1,000 new units under her leadership, the region still faces a staggering deficit of 375,000 homes needed, with 75% requiring affordable pricing. You'll hear about APAH's innovative approaches, like maximizing density through rezoning, leveraging financing tools like housing trust funds, and unique partnerships with churches, veterans groups, and major employers like Amazon. Carmen spotlights award-winning APAH properties co-locating affordable housing with amenities like daycare centers, and kitchens for culinary entrepreneurship while prioritizing quality design that is indistinguishable from market rates. This candid discussion explores the urgent need for affordable workforce housing options to sustain economic growth and the holistic community benefits when all residents have access to housing in areas of opportunity. Tune in for this inspiring conversation on building an affordable housing ecosystem for the future.