On a new Soft Power Radio, we are in conversation with Anjeanette Damon about Jeffrey Jacobs’ large-scale acquisition of downtown properties, many of which he razed shortly after purchasing them. Anjeanette, a long-time local investigative journalist, recently published two pieces for ProPublica in which she researches Jacob’s transactions, going back 20 years, paints a stark image of their impact (so far) on downtown Reno, and interviews the people directly affected, particularly by the closure and demolition of motel after motel, places that had for years provided low-barrier, affordable housing. We’ll talk about the stories of the displaced, discuss some of the motels that are still holding out, despite Jacobs’ ongoing pressure to sell him their property, and consider the City of Reno’s actions – or, perhaps, lack thereof – when it comes to guiding a development of this magnitude to fulfill the wishes and needs of local residents. Read Anjeanette’s articles here and here.