In this episode of From Waterloo to the Alamo, host Traci Turnquist-Wilson sits down with Emily Blair—one of Central Texas’ most respected voices in housing and development. With a rare career that spans both the homebuilding and multifamily sectors, Emily brings a unique perspective to the evolving landscape of housing in Austin and beyond.

From her days leading the Greater Austin Home Builders Association to her current role as Executive Vice President of the Austin Apartment Association, Emily shares hard-won leadership lessons, the advocacy efforts driving real impact, and what it will truly take to bridge the for-sale and for-rent divide.

We unpack the key differences between single-family and multifamily development, the role of policy and public-private partnerships, and how collaboration—not competition—might be the key to solving Austin’s affordability crisis. Plus, a lightning round full of local flavor and mentorship gold. If you're passionate about building homes and building coalitions, this is one conversation you won't want to miss!

#FromWaterlooToTheAlamo #AustinHousing #MultifamilyMatters #HomebuildingLeadership #RentalAdvocacy #AustinApartmentAssociation #WomenInHousing #HousingAffordability #TexasRealEstate #PublicPrivatePartnership #BuildForRent #TraciTalks #EngelVolkersATX #HousingPolicy #CentralTexasHousing #FromWaterlooToTheAlamo #TraciTalksTexas #RealEstatePodcast #ArchitecturePodcast #AustinRealEstate #DesignAustinTX #BuilderToBuilder #ElevateYourCommunity #CollaborationOverCompetition #InspiredByPeople #WeLiveHereWeGiveHere #TalkTexasWithUs

🔗 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you stream!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-waterloo-to-the-alamo/id1756122919