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The Chicagoland GuideAuthor: Aaron Masliansky, Skev Productions LLC
The Chicagoland Guide is your go-to resource for exploring the best places to live, work, and play in the Chicagoland area. Hosted by Aaron Masliansky, a local real estate expert at Compass and community enthusiast, this podcast dives into what makes each neighborhood unique, featuring interviews with local business owners, community leaders, and residents. Whether youre looking to discover hidden gems, understand real estate trends, or learn about the latest developments, The Chicagoland Guide offers valuable insights and stories that highlight the vibrant lifestyle and rich culture of Chicagos neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs. Tune in for engaging conversations and insider tips that will help you experience Chicagoland like never before! Language: en Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Personal Journals, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 143: Building the Workforce Behind Chicagoland’s Housing Future with Jennifer Yonan
Episode 143
Friday, 20 February, 2026
In Episode 143 of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky visits Youth Conservation Corps in Waukegan to explore a critical but often overlooked part of the housing conversation: workforce development. As Lake County and the broader Chicagoland region face a persistent housing shortage, rising construction costs, and a shrinking skilled trades workforce, solutions must go beyond zoning reform and financing tools. This episode examines how YouthBuild Waukegan is training the next generation of construction professionals while building affordable housing for local families. If we want more housing supply, stronger neighborhoods, and sustainable economic growth in Lake County and across the Chicagoland area, we need people who know how to build—and that’s exactly what this program is doing. Aaron sits down with Executive Director Jennifer Yonan to discuss how their programming serves 16–24 year olds who are disconnected from education and employment, helping them earn their GED or diploma, gain hands-on construction experience, and prepare for registered apprenticeships and careers in the trades. The conversation covers: -How workforce training directly impacts housing supply -Building affordable homes from the ground up in Zion -Why the skilled trades are increasingly valuable in an AI-driven economy -The role of regional housing policy and zoning reform in Lake County -Supporting the “whole person” through education, mentorship, and life skills Youth Conservation Corps is not only training future electricians, plumbers, and carpenters—it’s strengthening neighborhoods and expanding opportunity from within the community. Learn more or get involved at: youthconservationcorps.org Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.
