Plain Talk Pt. 2: Building the Missing Middle & Navigating Washington's New Permitting Rules
This Plain Talk post (Part 2) by Krosbie Carter, 1DROP's Director of Partnership, Development & Policy, tackles Washington's core housing barrier: slow, expensive permitting. Lengthy review processes burden small builders with massive costs, with delays alone adding up to $200,000 per project. The post details how new state law SB 5290 enforces mandatory, predictable review timelines (65, 100, or 170 days) starting in 2025, transforming process reform into a critical affordability tool.
1DROP's Fall 2025 Quarterly Convening
1DROP’s Fall Quarterly Convening brought members together to sharpen mindset, deepen technical knowledge, and highlight the shared momentum across the network. With new milestones, member-led contributions, and 1,286 units now in the pipeline, the convening shows how underrepresented developers are gaining capacity, advancing projects, and strengthening the regional ecosystem.
Developer Spotlight: Ashley Gallacher
Ashley Gallacher, founder of CJG Dev LLC, blends her finance background with a passion for equitable housing—building pathways to generational wealth for families and communities.
Introducing Our Founding Board of Directors
Meet the experienced leaders from across finance, real estate, law, and community development who share our vision of creating equitable pathways in real estate development.
Plain Talk Housing Pt. 1: Breaking Down Affordable Housing by the Numbers
Krosbie Carter, 1DROP's Director of Partnership, Development & Policy, breaks down what "affordable housing" really means — both the HUD-defined income limits and what families actually experience each month.
1DROP at Housing Washington 2025: Presence, Perspective, and Progress
Housing Washington 2025 brought together leaders, advocates, and changemakers advancing affordable housing across Washington State. Eleven members of the 1DROP network—staff, partners, and collaborators—shared insights grounded in lived experience and data. The event reflected 1DROP's growing impact across Washington's housing ecosystem, where underrepresented developers are reshaping the future of housing.
1DROP Members Honored at Housing Washington 2025
At Housing Washington 2025, two 1DROP members were recognized for their commitment to equitable housing. Dominique Rémy and Noemi Cagatin-Porter’s awards highlight how collective effort is driving meaningful change—and building homes for good across Washington.
10-Unit Duplex Community in Tacoma Unveiled at Veya Ribbon Cutting
Central Tacoma celebrated the completion of Veya, a 10-unit missing middle housing project led by Reggie Brown and Project Manager Lexie Brown, delivering thoughtfully designed homes in just nine months.
Christopher Brown Leads 10-Unit Housing Community in East Tacoma: Ruth's Landing Ribbon Cutting
Christopher Brown and his family celebrated the ribbon cutting of Ruth’s Landing, a 10-unit housing development in Tacoma. Backed by 1DROP’s mentorship and community support, the project showcases the power of family-driven development and marks a milestone in equitable housing.
16-Unit Cottage Housing Unveiling in Lakewood: Birds Mill Ribbon Cutting Highlights 1DROP’s Program Model
Birds Mill, a 16-unit cottage duplex community in Lakewood’s Dower neighborhood, officially opened on August 14 with a ribbon cutting attended by community leaders, policymakers, and partners. The project highlights 1DROP’s co-development model, mentorship, and commitment to equitable housing.
Salishan & Hillside Terrace Bid Opportunity Events Launch This August
Starting August 19th, 1DROP partners with Tacoma Housing Authority, LMC Construction, and Brawner to host three Bid Opportunity Events for subcontractors. Learn how to bid on the 316-home Salishan & Hillside Terrace renovation project breaking ground Winter 2025.
Salishan-Hillside Phase I LLLP’s 316-Unit Renovation to Showcase Innovative Equitable Construction Leadership Model
1DROP is partnering with Tacoma Housing Authority, LMC Construction, and Brawner to renovate 316 Salishan and Hillside Terrace homes, piloting a model that expands opportunities for underrepresented developers and construction professionals.
Developer Spotlight: Noemi Cagatin-Porter (Copy)
In this 1DROP Developer Spotlight, we highlight Noemi Cagatin-Porter—a Filipina American builder advancing equity through housing, design, and education. With 13+ years in construction and a mission-driven nonprofit, she’s creating pathways to homeownership and generational wealth for BIPOC communities.
Community, Connection & Impact: 1DROP Hosts Second Quarterly Member Meeting
1DROP’s second Quarterly Member Meeting brought developers together to reflect on progress, share hard-won lessons, and build the kind of collective power that sustains long-term change.
Developer Spotlight: Lexie Brown
Lexie Brown is part of a new generation of BIPOC developers advancing equitable housing. With a background in science and a growing portfolio of projects, she brings a focused, solution-driven approach to development. As founder of Alexandria Construction, she is helping expand access to homeownership and community stability.
New 15-Unit Apartments Ribbon Cutting Showcases 1DROP Program Model
The Lakewood Station ribbon cutting marked the opening of 15 new homes and showcased 1DROP’s co-development model in action, pairing experienced developers with emerging talent to deliver housing and grow future leaders in the field.
Developer Spotlight: Loundyne Hare
Loundyne Hare, founder of Central Pillars and co-founder of Northwest Investment Partners, is rewriting the rules of commercial real estate. With over 500 units in the pipeline and a $50M+ project breaking ground soon, Loundyne’s journey is a masterclass in financial precision, relationship-building, and servant leadership.
Lexie Brown Tackles 10-Unit Duplex Project
Lexie Brown, founder of Alexandria Construction, is bringing a fresh approach to housing with a 10-unit duplex development in Tacoma. From design innovation to on-the-ground problem-solving, she’s reshaping what accessible homeownership can look like.
KeyBank’s $1M Commitment to the Black Home Initiative (BHI)
KeyBank’s historic $1 million investment in the Black Home Initiative is a major step forward for regional housing equity. The funding will support partners like 1DROP in advancing Black homeownership and building community-rooted solutions.
Dominique Rémy and 1DROP at Puget Sound Business Journal’s 40 Under 40
1DROP was in the room as Dominique Rémy was honored at PSBJ’s 40 Under 40—spotlighting a growing movement for equity in development.