00:03 – The show kicks off with conversation on Hipster Dice, Justin shares how listeners can support the podcast through Patreon, and how Taco Bell is getting rid of their Double Decker Taco. Brogan offers to wear a Taco Bell jump suit if the company sponsors the podcast, Justin introduces Oliver, and Oliver talks about what the Urban Business Support does. He explains what gentrification means, what sparked him to start the non-profit, and the three pronged approach the organization takes with small businesses.

12:05 – Oliver talks on how Hilltop was one of the inspirations for him to start the organization, how the expansion of transportation is used as a metric for his organization to determine what businesses would be impacted by public transit improvement, and how their vision is ‘Development Without Displacement’. Justin talks on the balance that is possible when gentrification happens to communities, Oliver talks on doing this type of work in Oakland, and Justin shares where listeners can find Urban Business Support online.

26:25 – Oliver talks on how they want business owners to be able to work collaboratively to negotiate rent with developers, how the curriculum changed his life, and Brogan talks on the tough lessons he has learned since opening his business. Oliver talks on what sets their business apart from other businesses like his, how he finds locations to hold classes, and the program he started in Guatemala Mexico.

38:08 – He brings up the City of Tacoma’s Economic Development’s Facade Loan Program, the success he has seen with lending to businesses that weren’t able to get traditional bank loans, and his goal to start a micro loan program. He talks about their lifelong commitment to business owners, how this is a labor of love for him, and Justin brings up how easily the things that are happening to businesses in Seattle can happen to those in Tacoma.

Thanks Oliver for the great work you’re doing in the community to help small businesses survive gentrification.

Special Guest: Oliver Scott.

Sponsored By:

• Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order! · Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15

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0:57 – Justin gives introduces, Christina explains how Archway Consulting was created with her business partner Dorian Waller, Keith becoming Tacoma city councilman of District 3 in 2015, and when her and Dorian realized the need for political consultants for people of color when Keith ran. She talks of how the political landscape has changed over the years, how people are taking their statement past the protest and running for office, and the different candidates in the community they’ve helped get elected.

4:46 – Christina talks about the expansion of Archway Consulting that brought Keith and Dr. Caldwell on board and Justin explains how he sees diversity, equity, and inclusion as a complete life style change. Dr. Caldwell highlights the importance of understanding that our nation was setup for white men and that we’re just now starting to dismantle that, Justin talks about how they ran into Christina, Keith, and Dr. Caldwell, and Christina talks about how they came across Union Club.

10:05 – Christina explains what Tacoma Creates offers the community, Scott shares that the Museum of Glass has a nightly live stream of glassblowing, and Justin gives props to Art on the Ave. He also talks about the new community center in Tacoma that has recording studios which help kids build on their creativity and Scott talks about Real Arts all ages venue. Christina shares how people can get ahold of them, gives information on their upcoming monthly event ‘How To Recruit and Retain Diverse Talent’ (happening this month on the 27th), and their ‘Let’s Talk’ series they hold at the Evergreen Tacoma Campus.

Thanks Christina, Keith and Dr. Caldwell for the interesting and informative impromptu conversation with GCP!

Special Guests: Christina Blocker, Dr. Cindy Caldwell, and Keith Blocker.

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• Archway Consulting Group — Effective advocacy and political strategy