What does housing justice really look like in practice? In this episode of Around the Block, host Jasmyn Jefferson is joined by Michael Brown, Civic Architect of Civic Commons, for an in-depth conversation about the Black Home Initiative (BHI) and the regional effort to expand Black homeownership across the Puget Sound. Michael shares the origins of BHI, the data behind the racial wealth gap, and the historical policies that created today’s housing disparities. They discuss why BHI was intentionally built as a collaborative network, how cross-sector partnerships are reshaping access to homeownership, and what real progress looks like when systems change, not just programs. Topics covered include: • The long-term impacts of redlining and racially restrictive covenants • Why homeownership is central to generational wealth • How the Black Home Initiative works across public, private, and community sectors • The Covenant Homeownership Act and measurable outcomes to date • Why targeted equity efforts strengthen housing systems for everyone Learn more about the Black Home Initiative here: https://www.homeownership-wa.org/bhi/ Special thanks to Sterling Inspection Group, our 2025 podcast room sponsor

The Around The Block Podcast returns with a new episode!

In this conversation, host Jasmyn Jefferson, immediate past president and DB of Windermere Central Sound, sits down with Tacoma real estate agent Marguerite Martin (https://movetotacoma.com/) of Windermere Professional Partners. Marguerite is the creator of Move to Tacoma, a national speaker, coach, and trainer who built a nontraditional, 100 percent referral-based business that now focuses on matching clients with the right agent instead of working directly in the transaction. Together, Jasmyn and Marguerite dig into what it really means to build a business around your values, your niche, and your ideal client in a market that feels anything but predictable.

In this episode, they talk about: • How Marguerite shifted her business into a referral-based model • Why agents who are thriving in 2026 are narrowing their niche • What “ideal client” really means • The different questions agents face at each stage of their careert • Social media, fair housing, and the tension between what gets views and what actually builds trust • Why your 2026 business plan needs room for uncertainty, learning, and financial resilience And so much more. You can find Marguerite’s work and resources at: • Move to Tacoma: https://movetotacoma.com/ • Move to Tacoma Podcast: https://movetotacoma.com/the-podcast/ • Coaching and business support: https://www.margueritemartin.com/

Special thanks to Sterling Inspection Group, our 2025 podcast room sponsor

Fresh off TPCAR’s sold-out Economic Forecast Event, the Around The Block Podcast features one of the most trusted voices in real estate economics: Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of REALTORS®.

Host Jasmyn Jefferson sits down with Dr. Yun for an exclusive, in-depth conversation that builds on the insights he shared live in Tacoma. This episode breaks down what REALTORS®, brokers, and industry partners need to know as the 2026 market comes into view.

In this episode:

• A clear look at where mortgage rates, inflation, and inventory are heading next year

• What 2025 taught us and how to prepare your business operations for 2026

• How Pierce County stacks up against national market trends

• Actionable takeaways you can use right now to guide clients with confidence

• Why Tacoma’s economic fundamentals remain strong and what local indicators to watch

Special thanks to Sterling Inspection Group for supporting this episode and helping bring valuable, data-driven conversations to our REALTOR® community.