The State of Affordable Housing in 2026: Lessons, Delays, and What Comes Next

The State of Affordable Housing in 2026: Lessons, Delays, and What Comes Next

In this year-end episode of Crusade for Good, leaders from Knight Development Company reflect on the realities of affordable housing development in 2025—and what lies ahead in 2026.   Holly Knight and Joy Miller discuss government shutdown delays, rising construction costs, interest rate pressure, and why workforce housing has become one of the most urgent needs across the country. The conversation also explores how AI and technology are reshaping asset management, how RAD conversion continues to challenge housing authorities, and why community involvement—from robotics programs to resident relationships—matters just as much as closing deals.   This episode offers a candid, inside look at the current state of affordable housing, lessons learned over the last five years, and how developers, housing authorities, and community leaders can think differently about the future.

EP 5: Up and Out: Michael Lundy on Turning Public Housing into a Pathway to Independence

In this final episode of the Crusade for Good Legacy Series, host Adrian sits down with Michael Lundy, President & CEO of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority, to reflect on a 40-year career dedicated to reimagining public and affordable housing. From growing up in public housing himself to leading housing authorities across the country, Lundy shares the philosophy that has shaped his life’s work: housing should be a stabilizing force—not a permanent destination. He discusses the unintended consequences of well-meaning systems, the importance of self-sufficiency programs, and why meeting people where they are must always be paired with a clear path forward. The conversation explores real-world outcomes—from Family Self-Sufficiency programs and homeownership to large-scale redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and public-private partnerships that preserve affordability for the long term. It’s an honest, grounded look at what it takes to move communities “up and out,” and why leadership, accountability, and belief in people still matter.

EP 4: From Public Housing to Policy Leadership: Katie Anderson’s Journey Through Affordable Housing

In this episode of Crusade for Good, host Adrian Fields sits down with Katie Anderson, CEO and Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Springfield, Missouri. Katie shares her remarkable journey from growing up in public housing to leading one of Missouri’s most respected housing agencies. Through heartfelt storytelling, she reflects on how her lived experience shapes her approach to equitable housing, community development, and leadership. Adrian and Katie also explore how housing policy has evolved over the decades, the importance of connecting policy to people, and what the next generation of housing leaders must understand about balancing innovation with mission. This episode is a powerful look at the human side of affordable housing and the policies that shape it.

EP 3: Legacy and Leadership in Affordable Housing with Dr. Hickman Johnson

In this episode of Crusade for Good, host Adrienne sits down with Dr. Hickman Johnson, Executive Director of the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority Region 6, to explore his decades-long journey in affordable housing and community development. From his early role as one of the first commissioners of the Jackson Housing Authority to creating groundbreaking homeownership programs, Dr. Johnson shares powerful lessons on leadership, faith, and navigating the challenges of public housing. Listeners will hear how he balanced his ministry with his professional calling, the mentors who shaped his path, and what it means to build a true legacy in Mississippi’s housing landscape. Perfect for anyone interested in affordable housing, urban development, or community leadership.

EP 2: Innovation, Community, and Faith in Affordable Housing

In this episode of Crusade for Good, Holly Knight shares lessons from the front lines of affordable housing development. From smart home technologies and energy-efficient design to manufactured housing and 3D-printed construction, Holly highlights innovations reshaping the industry. She also dives into the challenges of overcoming misconceptions, building trust with local leaders and neighborhoods, and creating developments that feel like true communities. Along the way, Holly reflects on unexpected lessons from residents, the importance of listening, and how faith and encouragement guided her journey from government service to founding Knight Development.