For generations, homeownership has been an avenue to a better life. But discriminatory policies left many people out, and today's trend of rising home prices continues to put housing beyond the reach of significant sectors of the workforce. This is particularly true in America's urban centers, where a shortage of affordable housing is stifling social and economic mobility.
We must face this problem with a balance of compassion and competence. The solution will require the efforts of many--including the public sector, private developers, financial institutions, and community leaders--all working together to find creative solutions rather than relying on the policies of the past.
In Creating the Urban Dream, Clay Grubb shares the strategic focus of his decades-long career: how to provide good homes for the many people who need them and create dynamic neighborhoods where they can better their lives. Investing in the future through secure, affordable housing will be our country's challenge for many years to come--and a huge opportunity for those who will join in helping to solve it.

Grubb, Clay

CLAY GRUBB has been CEO of Grubb Properties since 2002. Under his leadership, Grubb Properties successfully transformed from a family-owned business to an employee- and board-owned company. Clay has also been involved in a number of initiatives to enhance the communities and environments where Grubb Properties operates. He serves as chairman of the Grubb Real Estate Preservation Foundation, which focuses on land preservation.

Clay is a fellow in the 2018 Aspen Institute's Finance Leaders Fellowship. He received the Charlotte Apartment Association's most prestigious award, the Lex Marsh Award, and the Young Bishop Award from Virginia Episcopal School as recognition for his accomplishments.

Clay received his law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law and his Bachelor of Science in Management from the A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. Clay lives in North Carolina with his wife, Deidre, and has two children.