In this episode of Drew Code HQ, host Andrew Robles sits down with Andrew Slocum, founder of Green Development Company. Slocum isn’t just a builder; he is a housing advocate and a strategist who is actively changing state laws to make California a more affordable place to live. The conversation explores the gritty intersection of politics and construction, including Slocum’s role on political endorsement committees and his take on why the current nonprofit housing model is failing. Slocum shares powerful insights from the front lines of the Altadena fire rebuilds, the absurdity of the "Staircase Solution" in LA city planning, and his upcoming legislative push for utility reform. Plus, Andrew reveals how sailing to Catalina and following Formula 1 keeps him sharp in a high-friction industry.

Chapter Markers:

[0:00] – Developing Change: Meet Andrew Slocum of Green Development Company.

[1:30] – The Political Necessity: Why developers must interview mayors and council members.

[4:30] – Systemic Failure: Why the $122B homeless fund should go to private builders, not just nonprofits.

[5:45] – The Altadena Rebuild: The emotional and logistical toll of rebuilding after a disaster.

[7:15] – Blank Slate Design: Navigating government codes and finessing ADU rules.

[9:50] – The Staircase Nightmare: A story of bureaucratic absurdity and losing faith in the system.

[11:20] – Inspiration: Learning from the low-key success of Ricardo Pagan. [12:35] – Unplugging: Sailing to Catalina and the peace of "mind capacity". [13:30] – F1 in Abu Dhabi: How travel and racing provide a fresh lens on city building.

[14:10] – Legislative Future: SB 1211 and the fight for utility drop reform.

Show Notes & Guest Information Andrew Slocum

Company: Green Development Company

LinkedIn: Andrew Slocum

Instagram: @andrewslocum

Featured Topics & Legislation SB 1211: The ongoing push to increase ADU counts on multi-family properties.

Utility Reform: Slocum's 2026 mission to allow secondary electrical drops for existing buildings in Sacramento.

ULI (Urban Land Institute): The organization where Slocum connects with industry titans like Ricardo Pagan.

Key Locations Altadena & Pacific Palisades: Major focus areas for fire rebuilds and upscale development.

Sacramento: The headquarters for Slocum’s legislative advocacy.