1DROP Founders Meet with Congresswoman Strickland to Champion Equity in Development

1DROP Founders (Reggie, Claude, Dominique) meet with Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

On August 2nd, 2024, the founders of 1DROP—Reggie Brown, Claude Remy, and Dominique Remy—met with Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) in Lakewood, WA., to introduce the collective's mission, learn about existing legislative priorities, and to seek legislative support for its initiative to empower developers of color. 1DROP advocates for equitable land use policies, provides affordable housing, and addresses systemic barriers facing minority developers. The meeting marked an important step in aligning 1DROP's goals with broader policy initiatives, enabling aspiring developers to access critical resources and training, break into real estate development, and increase minority representation in the industry.

During their presentation, the 1DROP founders emphasized the multifaceted approach they have developed to uplift developers of color, focusing on mentorship, policy advocacy, and access to funding. Their initiative combines technical support with practical resources like feasibility analyses, market research, and access to affordable financing solutions, such as recoverable grants and low-interest loans. Congresswoman Strickland, an advocate for economic inclusion, was particularly interested in 1DROP's approach to building affordable housing through sustainable and inclusive land use practices. The founders highlighted their recent efforts in affordable housing projects across Washington State, showcasing the potential impact of expanding such programs with legislative backing.

This meeting underscored the critical need for supportive policies that recognize the value developers of color bring to their communities. Congresswoman Strickland expressed her support for 1DROP’s mission and its potential to reshape urban development by increasing diversity and expanding access to affordable housing. The founders left the meeting optimistic, encouraged by Strickland’s commitment to finding ways to integrate 1DROP’s objectives into the broader economic landscape of Washington State. Through continued advocacy and collaboration with leaders like Congresswoman Strickland, 1DROP aims to build a stronger network of minority developers poised to lead transformative change in urban development.

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