Daniel Smith, MBA’s Post

🏠 Kamala Harris’s Housing Plan: Expanding Supply to Build Generational Wealth Kamala Harris’s plan is more than just a housing solution—it’s a strategy to restore the American dream of homeownership and build generational wealth. By focusing on expanding supply, reducing regulatory barriers, and providing financial assistance, the plan offers a sustainable path to economic stability. Phoenix’s 50% rise in home prices underscores the need for affordable housing, but local resistance to density and slow zoning reforms hinder alignment with federal goals. 🏗 The Housing Crisis: A Supply-Driven Solution for Lasting Impact America’s housing market is facing a shortage of 3.8 million homes (Freddie Mac). This shortage is driving prices sky-high, making it harder for families to achieve homeownership—a key pathway to building intergenerational wealth. 🚧 Expanding Supply with 3 Million New Homes Harris’s plan aims to build 3 million new homes over the next decade, focusing on affordable and workforce housing for low- and middle-income families. This effort is essential to curb the price surge in housing since the pandemic. 🔑 Generational Impact: By stabilizing home prices through increased supply, the plan ensures future generations will have access to affordable homes. Property ownership creates long-term equity, serving as a cornerstone of intergenerational wealth transfer as homes appreciate in value. 🛠 Workforce Development: Filling the Construction Labor Gap Building 3 million homes will require significant workforce expansion. Currently, 300,000 construction jobs go unfilled every month (National Association of Home Builders). Harris’s plan must invest in workforce training through partnerships with trade schools, unions, and community colleges. Emphasizing skills-based hiring, encourages employers to remove unnecessary degree requirements for technical roles, providing high-paying career opportunities to millions of Americans, helping them build wealth. 📈 Generational Impact: By offering upskilling opportunities without requiring college degrees, the plan promotes economic mobility and helps individuals achieve financial stability—critical components of long-term wealth building. 💰 Down Payment Assistance: Removing Barriers to Homeownership Harris’s $25,000 down payment assistance program addresses the biggest hurdle to homeownership—saving for a down payment. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 53% of first-time buyers cite saving for a down payment as their greatest challenge. 📊 Impact: First-time homeownership is critical to closing wealth gaps, particularly among communities of color. Research confirms homeowners have 40 times more wealth than renters (Federal Reserve Board). This is how we lay the foundation building generational wealth. Samantha Katz Mike Green Gillian Marcelle, PhD Shila Nieves Burney 🇵🇷 Allison Byers Jennifer Iannolo Joe Alan Williams Founders for Kamala https://lnkd.in/eKjYkead

🏡 Breaking Down Barriers: $9.9M Settlement to Address Redlining in Birmingham 🏦 In a significant move, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has agreed to a $9.9 million settlement over allegations of redlining—a discriminatory practice denying credit to Black communities in Birmingham, Alabama. Between 2017 and 2022, Fairway’s lending to Black neighborhoods was one-eighth the rate of competitors. Loan offices, referrals, and marketing efforts were disproportionately focused on majority-white areas, leaving minority communities without fair access to credit. What’s in the settlement? ✅ $7M loan subsidy to make homeownership more accessible ✅ $1M for community programs to support lending initiatives ✅ $1.9M in civil penalties paid to CFPB’s victims' relief fund 💬 Why this matters: While some believe discrimination no longer exists in lending or that real estate practices are inherently neutral, data tells a different story. Without transparency and accountability, systemic biases continue to shape who has access to credit, wealth-building, and homeownership. While we must have accountability, we also need to confront how the historic harms of practices like redlining have caused immeasurable damage to Black communities, stripping generations of opportunities for homeownership and wealth-building. Birmingham, a city at the heart of the civil rights movement, still bears the scars of these exclusionary practices—and this settlement is just one step toward rectifying those injustices. Futhermore these stories illustrates how minority communities are often left behind in today’s real estate landscape. This is why equity and transparency in lending are critical to fostering generational wealth and economic empowerment for all. 📢 How can financial institutions bridge the gap? What steps can the real estate industry take to ensure everyone—regardless of race or background—has a fair shot at homeownership? Bryan Greene Alexia Smokler Joe Ventrone Airen Washington Britton Perry Helene Raynaud Gillian Marcelle, PhD Samantha Katz Dr. Susan Swayze UCLA PhD, Duke MBA Castleigh Johnson Richard Venegar Mike Green Douglas R. Miller https://lnkd.in/ePuQ9tu9

A few weeks ago I was privileged to attend the Unite for America event with VP Harris represeting Founders for Kamala in Michigan. Tonight Join Founders for Kamala as we discuss the policy impact on Founders. Check out the Pitch Deck -https://lnkd.in/dzP-f_ez Register at - https://lu.ma/14me8wlz 🔥 🔥 Samantha Katz Angelo A. Daniels, MBA Gillian Marcelle, PhD Joel Serface Shila Nieves Burney 🇵🇷 Jennifer Iannolo Allison Byers Joy Hoover Sophia Westrich Marie Roker-Jones Janece Matsko

🌟 The Biggest Threat to Homeownership is Not What You Think 🌟 "Almost 30% of middle-class homeowners bought homes with monthly payments costing more than 30% of their income in 2022, an NBC News analysis of Census Bureau data found. That’s more than twice the share from 2013, with experts warning it leaves many households with less money for groceries and emergencies and less able to get ahead in the future. That “cost-burdened” benchmark — is when a household devotes over 30% of income to housing costs. McCue said, cost-burdened homeowners may struggle to keep up with home maintenance, leading to unhealthy or unsafe living environments. That could further erode a nationwide housing stock that, according to one paper from the Federal Reserve, already needs nearly $150 billion in repairs." When I started building Keepingly® , my goal was simple: help homeowners navigate the complex world of homeownership. Along the way, I realized something ALARMING—the biggest threat to homeownership in the coming years is beyond getting a mortgage or finding the right property. It’s the actual cost of homeownership itself. 🏠 Today, more than ever, homeowners are stepping into properties some can barely afford. Mortgage rates are high, property taxes are skyrocketing, and don’t even mention insurance premiums. What’s happening is that people are buying homes, but without the understanding if the requirements or bandwidth to manage ongoing maintenance and unexpected repairs. That’s a recipe for long-term financial disaster. But here’s the thing: preventative maintenance is a game-changer. When you stay ahead of small repairs and regular upkeep, you avoid major, costly issues down the line. You maintain or even increase your home’s value, and most importantly, you protect your largest investment. 💡 At Keepingly® , we’ve been focused on building a platform that empowers homeowners to plan, track, and execute home management tasks efficiently. We believe that transparency is key to helping homeowners not only stay in their homes but thrive there. 🌱 🏡 Homeownership isn’t just about owning a house—it’s about maintaining a healthy, safe space without sacrificing your financial future. Let’s make sure the dream of homeownership doesn’t become a burden for the next generation. Joe Ventrone 🏘 Paris Dean Castleigh Johnson Jason P. Riveiro Joel Serface Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer, CLTC Joe Cardillo Marisa Calderon Amy McCoy Nathaniel Crawford Samantha Katz Britton Perry Mike Green Gary Acosta Monica Wheat Pierre Calzadilla Douglas R. Miller https://lnkd.in/egQrya6a #Homeownership #PreventativeMaintenance #Keepingly #FinancialWellness

🚀 Empowering Black Men Through Economic Opportunity! 🚀 Today, Kamala Harris unveiled a bold new plan aimed at supporting Black men in their entrepreneurial journeys and improving access to key industries! 💼 🔑 Highlights of the proposals and WHY it matters: Forgivable small business loans: $20,000 loans for 1 million entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Offering $20,000 in forgivable loans to 1 million entrepreneurs from underserved communities can unleash innovation and support small businesses. This could be a game changer for many Black-owned businesses by reducing the barriers to access capital and fostering economic independence. Legalizing recreational marijuana: Ensuring Black entrepreneurs have access to this growing industry. By ensuring Black entrepreneurs have a pathway to enter the legal marijuana industry, this proposal could help reverse the economic setbacks caused by years of disproportionate marijuana-related convictions in Black communities. It opens the door to a booming new industry and generational wealth creation. Cryptocurrency: Boosting opportunities for Black Americans to tap into the digital finance world. Black Americans can benefit from enhanced access to the fast-growing cryptocurrency sector, helping them stay at the forefront of the digital economy. Inclusion in emerging industries like crypto is key to reducing economic disparities. Health equity: A national initiative focusing on diseases like sickle cell, which disproportionately impacts Black men. A focus on diseases like sickle cell that disproportionately impact Black men is long overdue. Investing in health equity means better outcomes, and healthier individuals can more actively participate in building their economic futures. These proposals are more than just economic policies—they are about equity, empowerment, and leveling the playing field for underserved communities. 💪🏽 As Black men face unique challenges in business, health, and economic growth, these targeted efforts could pave the way for transformative change. 🚀 https://lnkd.in/gNmdKABJ Founders for Kamala Mike Green Angelo A. Daniels, MBA Samantha Katz Gillian Marcelle, PhD #EconomicGrowth #Equity #Entrepreneurship #DiversityMatters #SmallBusiness #BlackEntrepreneurs

🔥 🔥 Congrats to fellow Techstars Detroit Class member David R. Medina Álvarez who is building LIVAQ - Awesome profile of what is happening in Detroit. In 2021 in the height of the pandemic one of the persons I met was Joey Mullick. The idea for Keepingly® was still in the infant stages. When I announced that I was a part of the Techstars Detroit 2024 Fall Class Joey was one of the first persons who reached out to congratulate me and asked if I am moving to Detroit. I do love Newlab and those offices are awesome. Spending 2 weeks in Detroit...I can confirm awesome things are happening in this city and the people are committed to the ecosystem. Newlab Monica Wheat Chacho Valadez Johnnie Turnage Joey Mullick Samantha Katz Katy Kelly Paris Plain Jibreel Lockhart Laura Grannemann This article shows why Detroit is on 🔥 🔥- https://lnkd.in/ejznQxTZ

🚨 Exposing Redlining: How Institutions Quietly Denied Minority Communities Homeownership for Decades – Until Now 🚨 For years, Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities have been systematically excluded from the housing market due to redlining—a practice where banks denied them loans simply based on where they lived. But the tide is finally turning. 🌍🏠 💰 $40 million+ in loan subsidies and financial relief from major institutions like Citadel Credit Union, OceanFirst Bank, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, and Ameris Bank are being poured into previously redlined neighborhoods. 🏦 15 new branches to open in minority communities across the country, ensuring that families in places like Philadelphia, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Memphis finally have access to the financial services they were unfairly denied. 📚 Financial Literacy & Outreach: Over $3 million in financial education initiatives to reach 100,000+ minority residents, equipping them with the knowledge to become homeowners and avoid predatory lenders. 🚪 Citadel Credit Union Landmark Settlement: As the first credit union to face redlining charges, Citadel is setting a precedent with $6.5 million committed to opening branches and improving credit access for Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Philadelphia. 💥 The Real Impact: This wave of settlements could lead to hundreds of thousands of new minority homeowners, potentially generating $10 billion+ in wealth for communities historically shut out of the market. 🔑 Why Does This Matter? Because homeownership isn’t just about buying a house—it's about building generational wealth. For decades, minorities were locked out of this opportunity, and it’s time to set the record straight. These settlements mark a historic shift, but the question remains: Will this be enough to reverse the damage done? It's up to us to close the wealth gap and ensure economic justice to close the wealth gap for good. 💪🏽🏡 Samantha Katz Gillian Marcelle, PhD Elizabeth Leiba Mike Green Airen Washington Joe Ventrone Shari Dunn Britton Perry Jason P. Riveiro Gary Acosta Castleigh Johnson Richard Venegar Dr. Susan Swayze UCLA PhD, Duke MBA Dr. Tana M. Session Joe Cardillo https://lnkd.in/gfkwxxki #RedliningExposed #EconomicJustice #MinorityHomeownership #CitadelCreditUnion #WealthGap #FinancialInclusion #FairLending #DOJ

🏠 Homeownership: A Dream or a Financial Challenge? Did you know that variable costs like property taxes and insurance now make up nearly 1/3 of the average mortgage payment across the U.S.? 📈 For some homeowners, especially in high-risk areas 🌪️🏖️, it’s nearly half of their monthly payments — and that’s before factoring in electricity, water, or even transportation! 🚗💡 Financial literacy is no longer just about knowing how to budget. It’s about understanding the full picture of costs associated with owning a home 🏡— both fixed and variable. 💡 From surging insurance premiums to rising property taxes, it’s crucial for homeowners to stay informed and financially prepared. “Variable costs like taxes and insurance now make up nearly one-third of the average mortgage payment nationwide. For borrowers in more risk-prone areas and areas with higher property taxes, variable costs make up nearly half of the average borrower’s monthly payments, and that’s before you factor in other variable costs of homeownership, like electricity, water, and transportation.” Andy Walden, vice president of research and analysis at data provider ICE. In building Keepingly® , we have come to realize that empowering homeowners to manage these rising costs effectively by offering tools to track, organize, and stay ahead of variable expenses is a critical piece of the Homeownership Journey💼📊. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned one, there’s always more to learn and optimize. 📚 Key Takeaways: Variable costs like taxes and insurance are skyrocketing 🌡️ Homeownership requires ongoing financial management 💰 Financial literacy helps you plan for the unexpected 🧠 Andrea Riquier - USA TODAY - https://lnkd.in/ecmf7jAZ Do most persons understand their homeownership costs? It's a critical piece of financial literacy and empowerment in homeownership! 💬 Joe Ventrone David Berenbaum Jason P. Riveiro Samantha Katz Joel Serface Gillian Marcelle, PhD Helene Raynaud Cherie St. Marthe Britton Perry Stuart Yasgur #FinancialLiteracy #Homeownership #RealEstate #MoneyManagement #Keepingly

Diversity is Dead: Corporate America’s Failure to Sustain Black Leadership 💼❌ 📉 Significant Decrease in Black Leadership: From 2023 to 2024, there has been a sharp 50% decline in the number of Black Lead Directors and Board Chairs, dropping from 28 to just 14. ⚖️ 📊 Overall Black Board Representation: In 2024, the number of Black corporate board members was recorded at 481, a slight decline from 490 in 2013 (a 1.6% decrease). 📉 📈 Pandemic-Inspired Gains: Following the aftermath of George Floyd's murder and the pandemic, Black representation in corporate boards saw a significant rise, reaching 473 in 2022, which represented 85% of S&P 500 companies. However, these gains are now being reversed as anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) sentiments rise in some corporate sectors. 🚨 👩🏽💼 Black Women Representation: There has been a notable reduction in Black women’s presence on S&P 500 boards, dropping from 185 in 2022 to 155 in 2024. This represents an ongoing shift in corporate diversity and poses a growing challenge in ensuring equity at the governance level. 🚺⬇️ 📉 Concerns About Future Trends: The declining representation of Black leadership on corporate boards signals a concerning future for diversity at the highest levels of governance. The 2024 BE Registry of Corporate Directors reveals the mounting pressures on Black executives and highlights the fragility of earlier diversity commitments. 🚫 After all the Performative Posturing we were subjected to in 2021, the numbers continue to bear themselves out. A 50% decrease in one year in Board Leads is quite staggering. Black Enterprise Magazine https://lnkd.in/eXJFKVci Mike Green Elizabeth Leiba Samantha Katz Gillian Marcelle, PhD Dr. Susan Swayze UCLA PhD, Duke MBA Kimberly Bryant

Building Keepingly® Techstars at Techstars Detroit 4 weeks in. What have I learned? Manage. Maintain. Grow. Keepingly® Full Video On IG - https://lnkd.in/eYyH4FSN #myexperience #Techstars #Foundermode