Journalism Institute program looks at housing policy and racism July 23

There is still time to register for the National Press Club Journalism Institute's virtual panel on the intersection of housing policy and racism to be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 23.

Many Americans lacked access to affordable, decent housing before the coronavirus pandemic, a challenge that has disproportionately affected communities of color whether as renters or would-be home buyers unable to secure quality credit. 

Now, the situation is reaching crisis levels across the country, with millions of renters at risk of losing their housing when a federal moratorium on evictions expires this summer. Additionally, historically unprecedented high price tags for home purchases has effectively priced out large swaths of the American middle- and working-class.

The panel plans to discuss how to cover the intersection of housing policy and racism in collaboration with the people most affected.

Panelists include:

  • Michael Brice-Saddler, who covers D.C. government and politics for The Washington Post's Metro desk. He joined the Post in June 2018 as an intern after graduating from the University of Maryland. Before moving to local politics, he covered national and breaking news on the general assignment desk.

  • Alexandria Burris, a business reporter for The Indianapolis Star in Indianapolis, covers corporations, real estate, and development, and recently reported on racial bias in the home-appraisal industry.

  • Lauren Lindstrom, a reporter for The Charlotte Observer, covers housing and homelessness, including the region's struggle to create and maintain affordable housing. She is a 2019 Report for America corps member and previously reported on health at The Blade in Toledo, Ohio. 

  • Dan Reed is a writer, urban planner, and community advocate who works with communities all over the United States to make their streets safer, enjoyable, and equitable. Reed's writing has appeared in publications including Washingtonian, the The New York Times, CityLab, Architect Magazine, and Shelterforce.

The Institute is offering this program at no cost thanks to a grant from the Gannett Foundation.

If you have questions about this program, please email Julie Moos, executive director, at [email protected].