Housing has quietly become one of the most urgent issues shaping the 2026 conversation, and not for the reasons most headlines suggest. In this episode, Leigh Brown cuts through the noise to explain why affordability and availability are colliding, and what a natural disaster in Western North Carolina exposed about the gaps in housing policy. Listen in for a grounded, human view of a problem that could affect your community next.

Key takeaways to listen for

• The two housing pressures driving every 2026 platform
• How inflation and post‑recession building shortages quietly created today's housing squeeze
• What Hurricane Helene revealed about disaster aid, renters, and missing policy answers
• Why small landlords matter more to affordability than most public narratives admit
• A practical way housing relief could support owners, renters, and communities together

Resources mentioned in this episode

• FEMA
• HUD
• Patriot Relief

About Leigh Brown

Leigh Brown is a leadership voice and keynote speaker who helps people navigate disruption and lead when the ground is shifting. Her latest book, Next Is Now, is a call to stop waiting and start leading. 👉 https://amzn.to/48FKenF

Bring Leigh to your stage: https://leighbrown.com DM Leigh on Instagram: @LeighThomasBrown