Nashville, often celebrated for its music, culture, and booming growth, is facing a pressing challenge: affordable housing. As the city continues to expand, many residents are struggling to find stable, affordable homes. This shortage disproportionately affects marginalized communities, amplifying inequities in homeownership and financial stability. Innovative solutions are needed, and programs like the Urban League’s R.E.D. (Real Estate Developers) Academy are stepping in to empower individuals and communities to address these challenges. By equipping participants with the tools to develop impactful housing projects, the R.E.D. Academy is fostering leaders who are reshaping Nashville’s housing landscape.
The alumni of the R.E.D. Academy are at the forefront of addressing Nashville’s housing crisis through innovative approaches. Their projects include mixed-use developments, faith-based initiatives, and single-family housing models—each tailored to meet specific community needs.
The R.E.D. Alumni helping with affordable housing in Nashville
Youvonia Moore – Tri-Water Mixed-Use Development: Youvonia Moore, a seasoned real estate professional and Chief Managing Officer of Thomas Moore Properties, LLC (TMP)
Youvonia began her career in 2004 with strategic investments in residential properties. Over the years, she has expanded her portfolio to include innovative microfinancing services and partnerships with local and federal agencies. Currently, Youvonia is leading TMP’s most ambitious project to date: the 41-unit mixed-use Tri-Water development. Located at the gateway to downtown Gallatin, Tennessee, this pedestrian-friendly project integrates residential and commercial spaces, fostering urbanization while maintaining affordability. Through her work, Youvonia has significantly expanded access to high-quality housing, bridging the gap between affordable housing needs and available resources while promoting sustainable and inclusive development.
Henry Miller – Single-Family Homes: Henry Miller, Executive Director of Living Development Concepts (LDC)
Henry has dedicated his career to providing affordable housing to low-to-moderate-income families. Since founding LDC in 2001, Henry has mobilized substantial financial resources to build more than 500 single-family homes and empower over 1,000 families to achieve homeownership. Currently, LDC is managing 15 active for-sale projects valued at over $5 million and has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with The NRP Group to develop an $85 million multi-family rental project. This new venture will provide affordable rental units for households earning 60% or less of the area median income (AMI). Under Henry’s leadership, LDC continues to transform Nashville’s housing market by fostering economic stability, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating long-term solutions for families in need.
James Crockett – Faith-Based Initiatives
James Crockett’s work with Pleasant Green Baptist Church exemplifies the potential of faith-based organizations to address housing needs. By leveraging church-owned land and resources, Crockett is creating affordable housing options that serve both the congregation and the broader community. These initiatives are an example of how community-focused approaches can meet housing demands while reinforcing social and spiritual connections. The Pleasant Green project is projected to be 180 units of affordable housing.
“At R.E.D. Academy, we are deeply passionate about creating communities that are built by us, for us, and with us. It’s an honor to empower emerging, underrepresented developers in this vital work. When people have a safe and secure place to call home, their quality of life transforms—they can maintain stable employment, improve their mental, physical, and emotional health, and build generational wealth that strengthens communities for years to come.” – Aron Thompson, Executive Director, R.E.D. Academy
What they are currently working on 2025:
Currently, Youvonia is spearheading TMP’s most ambitious project yet: the 41-unit mixed-use Tri-Water development. This pedestrian-friendly project is located at the entryway to downtown Gallatin, Tennessee, and promises to bring both convenience and sophistication to the local community. The project encompasses a blend of residential and commercial spaces, contributing to the area’s urbanization while maintaining accessibility for various income levels. TMP’s focus on mixed-use and mixed-income properties, including both vertical builds and rehabilitations across commercial, multi-family, and single-family sectors, demonstrates Youvonia’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
How their work will impact the community:
Through her leadership at Thomas Moore Properties, Youvonia Moore has significantly contributed to the availability of affordable housing for low-income families in Nashville and surrounding areas. By partnering with local agencies and organizations, TMP has been able to rehabilitate homes, ensuring that families have access to high-quality housing options. The company’s focus on mixed-use and mixed-income developments, such as the Tri-Water project, aims to foster inclusive communities that promote both economic growth and social equity. Youvonia’s efforts have helped bridge the gap between affordable housing needs and available resources, creating long-term solutions for underrepresented populations.
As Nashville continues to grow, the need for creative and equitable housing solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The work of the Urban League R.E.D. Academy alumni is a powerful testament to what is possible when innovation, community focus, and empowerment converge. By addressing the housing crisis with thoughtfulness and dedication, these leaders are not just building homes—they’re building a stronger, more inclusive Nashville.
You can cane learn more about the Urban League R.E.D. Academy Program here and via their Linkedin.
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