Geographical Thinking: E101 – Zoom In on Renters’ Rights
What if renters had a map that helped them understand their rights? In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we dive into the story behind the Tenant Policy Atlas—a one-of-a-kind tool that's putting renters and renters’ rights, not just streets and buildings, on the map.
Host Michelle Brake sits down with T’Brenn Kelly-McKinnon and Cameron Glover from the Rental Protection Fund to explore how this interactive atlas is making waves across British Columbia. From eviction protections to relocation policies, the tool is designed to cut through the confusion and help tenants, advocates and policymakers see the bigger picture—literally.
Along the way, we hear why advanced geographic information system (GIS) technology is the secret weapon in the fight for affordable housing and what happens when technology meets a mission to protect homes and communities. Whether you're a map nerd, a renter or just love a good story about using geography for good, this one's for you.
0:00 – Episode Summary
0:39 – Intros
3:40 – The Rental Protection Fund
6:33 – Non-Profit & Affordable Housing
9:44 – Preserving Rental Housing
14:12 – Tenant Policy Atlas
20:09 – Informing Decision Making
23:42 – Surprising Findings
27:01 – Other Uses of GIS
32:40 – Advice for You
37:22 – Outro
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Looking for resources on what we discussed in today’s podcast? Check them out below!
Follow the Rental Protection Fund on LinkedIn to stay up to date on what’s next for the organization.
Rental Protection Fund: A British Columbia-based non-profit working to preserve affordable rental housing by supporting non-profit housing providers in acquiring at-risk rental properties.
Case Studies ArcGIS StoryMaps Story: Explore how the Rental Protection Fund is making an impact by showcasing properties across British Columbia that have been protected through their funding and partnerships with non-profit housing organizations.
BC Tenant Policy Atlas: An interactive map that visualizes rental policies and protections across British Columbia, helping tenants, advocates and policymakers understand the landscape of renters’ rights in the province.