Part 1: Katie Goar speaks with Marion McFadden, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development at HUD. Marion shares her journey, beginning with her unexpected involvement in disaster recovery after 9/11, and reflects on how this shaped her passion for community resilience. She discusses the evolving role of HUD in addressing the growing frequency and severity of disasters, highlighting the importance of resilient infrastructure and smart rebuilding practices. Marion also explains the complex process behind disaster recovery funding and the steps HUD is taking to streamline the application process for faster, more efficient relief. She emphasizes the need to prioritize vulnerable populations and ensure that recovery efforts are equitable and inclusive. This insightful conversation sheds light on the critical role of public service in supporting communities in their most challenging times​.

Part 2: In Part 2, Katie Goar continues her conversation with Marion McFadden, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development at HUD. Marion highlights a wide array of HUD programs, from homelessness prevention to affordable housing creation, and discusses their recent accomplishments. She emphasizes the success of HUD’s Pro Housing program, which empowers communities to identify and tackle local barriers to housing development. Marion also discusses innovative housing solutions, such as manufactured housing and adaptive reuse, which are helping to address the nation’s affordable housing crisis. She touches on the unique challenges rural communities face in securing federal resources and how HUD is partnering with the USDA to provide targeted support. Marion concludes by sharing her pride in HUD’s efforts to elevate the voices of young people in addressing youth homelessness, ensuring the next generation has a strong role in shaping their futures​.