A.J. Jackson- Divining Private Capital for Affordable Housing (#116)

Bio Brian Allan Jackson (AJ) is President of LEO Impact Capital. He was previously Head of Social Impact Investing at JBG SMITH, where he led the formation of the Impact Pool, an investment platform that was named the Best ESG Investment Fund: Real Estate by ESG Investing. Prior to joining JBG SMITH, AJ spent fifteen years in real estate development and investment, leading more than one billion dollars of double- and triple-bottom line urban infill real estate development, including projects that received ULI’s Jack Kemp Excellence in Affordable and Workforce Housing Award. Earlier in his career, AJ served as Chief of Staff to the Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). AJ serves on the Affordable Housing Advisory Council for Fannie Mae, the Executive Committee of Up For Growth Action, the Workforce Housing Committee for the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), and the Affordable/Workforce Housing Product Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI). AJ earned a B.A. with honors from the University of Alabama and an M.B.A. with distinction from Harvard Business School. Show Notes Company and Structure Leo Impact Capital Formation (00:05:45) AJ Jackson explains the formation of Leo Impact Capital and how it differentiates from the prior mission of the impact pool. For-Profit or Nonprofit? (00:07:20) AJ Jackson clarifies that Leo Impact Capital is a for-profit enterprise, emphasizing the need to move private capital at scale for impactful solutions. Background & Education Influences and Education (00:08:45) AJ Jackson discusses his upbringing, parental influences, and the value of education instilled in him. College and Career Choices (00:11:00) AJ Jackson talks about his decision to attend the University of Alabama, study economics and finance, and his early career choices. Capitol Hill and GSA Transition to Capitol Hill (00:15:45) AJ Jackson shares his transition to working on Capitol Hill, including his experiences working with John Kasich and his involvement in the budget committee. Exposure to Real Estate (00:20:30) AJ Jackson details his unexpected exposure to real estate while working at the General Services Administration and the complexity of the agency’s operations. Government Interactions and Complexity (00:22:50) AJ Jackson discusses his learning experiences regarding government interactions with the private sector, the structure of the GSA, and the complexity of its operations. The dedication of GSA career staff (00:24:15) AJ Jackson expresses surprise at the dedication and professionalism of GSA career staff, highlighting their commitment to public service. Politics in real estate projects (00:24:55) The discussion shifts to...