Episode 140: Evan Holladay, Founder & CEO, Holladay Ventures
Tue Feb 03 2026
In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Katie sits down with Evan Holladay, founder and CEO of Holladay Ventures, to explore what it truly takes to build affordable housing with lasting community impact Evan shares his path into real estate development, starting with a chance college connection and growing into a career shaped by persistence, curiosity, and service. He explains why affordable housing sits at the intersection of people, design, and opportunity, and why building alone will never solve the housing crisis without stronger systems and partnerships. The conversation dives into Evan’s work mentoring the next generation of developers through Affordable Housing Development Mastery, including why access to knowledge, coaching, and encouragement often determines who enters the field. Katie and Evan also break down real development projects, including Stonebridge Lofts and the Samaritan Recovery Community, showing how mixed-income housing, sustainability, and nonprofit partnerships change lives beyond the buildings themselves. You will hear an honest look at development hurdles, from zoning delays and layered financing to construction volatility, along with clear insight into where policy, local leadership, and pre-development reform could remove barriers and accelerate housing production. This episode speaks to housing leaders, policymakers, nonprofit partners, and anyone who wants a realistic view of how affordable housing moves from vision to impact.
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In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Katie sits down with Evan Holladay, founder and CEO of Holladay Ventures, to explore what it truly takes to build affordable housing with lasting community impact Evan shares his path into real estate development, starting with a chance college connection and growing into a career shaped by persistence, curiosity, and service. He explains why affordable housing sits at the intersection of people, design, and opportunity, and why building alone will never solve the housing crisis without stronger systems and partnerships. The conversation dives into Evan’s work mentoring the next generation of developers through Affordable Housing Development Mastery, including why access to knowledge, coaching, and encouragement often determines who enters the field. Katie and Evan also break down real development projects, including Stonebridge Lofts and the Samaritan Recovery Community, showing how mixed-income housing, sustainability, and nonprofit partnerships change lives beyond the buildings themselves. You will hear an honest look at development hurdles, from zoning delays and layered financing to construction volatility, along with clear insight into where policy, local leadership, and pre-development reform could remove barriers and accelerate housing production. This episode speaks to housing leaders, policymakers, nonprofit partners, and anyone who wants a realistic view of how affordable housing moves from vision to impact.