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The AHTD Team

Led by visionary architect Michael Anderson, the AHTD team is a dynamic group of leaders and advocates working together to shape a brighter, more connected future for Los Angeles.

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Our Story

The Accelerated Housing and Transit Development (AHTD) project began as a bold vision by Michael Anderson, the visionary architect behind the acclaimed book Urban Magic: Vibrant Black and Brown Communities Are Possible. Drawing on his experiences in St. Louis and his many years of living in Los Angeles, Michael imagined a future where equitable investments in housing, transit, and infrastructure could transform underserved neighborhoods into thriving, sustainable communities.

This vision was rigorously vetted through a $1 million consulting project led by McKinsey & Company, which produced an in-depth economic impact and risk assessment. Their findings validated the feasibility and transformative potential of AHTD, providing a strong foundation for the project’s strategies and anticipated outcomes.

Today, AHTD stands as a comprehensive and community-led effort, driven by a mission to modernize neighborhoods, empower families, and close the racial wealth gap—all while preserving the cultural fabric that makes Los Angeles unique. Meet our team of advocates and leaders who are passionate about this vision, and join us in shaping the future of LA.

Meet The Team

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Michael Anderson

Principal

Michael Anderson has more than 35 years of diverse experience in architecture, urban planning, transit and community development. He has been design principal for projects in aviation, transit, civic administration, education, and commercial, residential, and municipal infrastructures. “As an architect, my purpose is to advocate for, design, and seek funding for projects that benefit the greater public needs, including economic and redevelopment strategies within challenged communities. My belief is we can utilize the city’s diversity of culture and income to create memorable and beautiful communities that support positive living for every person while producing new revenue for local government." Author: Urban Magic – Vibrant Black and Brown Communities Are Possible Education: Southern California Institute of Architecture

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Elliot S. Barker, NOMA

Principal

Elliot Barker is a second-generation architect who has experience in a broad range of projects, including K-12 and higher education, aviation, transit administration, and residential, commercial, and recreation facilities. His career began in his father’s firm, Edward C. Barker Associates, in 1976. Barker and has served as Project Architect for Los Angeles Community College District, Los Angeles Unified School District, and Santa Monica Community College. In transit design he served as Project Manager and Project Architect on the Metro Red Line Vermont/Sunset Station, Metro Blue Line Light Rail, and Construction Management on the Tom Bradley International Terminal West at Los Angeles International Airport. Education: Master of Architecture University of California Berkeley, CA

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Thomas Webster

Principal

Thomas Webster is an experienced business leader and entrepreneur in the creation and development of for-profit and nonprofit organizations for the private and public sectors. He has over 30 years of involvement with assisting organizations as a senior advisor managing the planning and development of business strategies, the launching and expansion of new divisions, and the financing and capitalization of programs. He currently serves as the President of Eastern Region for Anderson Barker Architects. Webster has served as Chairman of The Board for NeighborhoodNow, a $20 million nonprofit spin-off from the Pew and William Penn Foundations, which was originally formed as an economic development advisory board whose members were primarily banking institutions collaborating to drive community reinvestment. Service: United States Marine Corps Education: BA in Criminal Justice/Sociology LaSalle University Certification in Management from the University of Delaware

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Robin Billups

Project Manager

The Billups Group (TBG) is a consultancy answering the question of what you don’t know you don’t know about procurement relationships towards successful supply chain inclusion. The mission is to “Git in where you fit in!” TBG contracts with entities and entrepreneurs to assess, coach, and develop strategic framework to identify viable contracts, to reach economic goals, and compliance reporting. TBG value-added services entail - aligning diversity/inclusion with corporate social responsibility commitments; tracking/reporting KPI metrics; certification requirements; aligning prospects and deepening existing client relations while connecting relevant resources; conference speaker, panelist/moderator. Robin has “been behind the curtain” in a multitude of business sectors thus astute in understanding and relaying the critical components of culture and business operations. Robin Billups, a former banker, spent her formative years as a national commercial real estate construction financing Relationship Manager. She averaged $150+ million annually in loan production before creating a National Supplier Diversity department. Subsequently, Robin joined the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council-D.C. (WBENC) team as the National Business Development Manager recruiting, retaining, and engaging corporate members across a broad sector of public and private entities.

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Christa June

Project Lead

Christa June has a diverse background and a passion for making a positive impact. She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University, where she gained research experience with NASA and presented her findings nationwide. At The Boeing Company, Christa led cross-functional teams and fostered international manufacturing collaborations. In 2016, she embarked on a homeschooling journey, utilizing travel to provide immersive educational experiences for her children.She incorporated entrepreneurship into her curriculum, guiding her children to launch their own businesses. Christa’s innovative teaching approach has extended to numerous students, focusing on empowering underserved and underrepresented individuals for future success. Christa established Polk & June Design Studio, which uses cutting-edge laser technology to create customized designs. Her expertise also contributed to the mentorship of minority college students in the Innovation Incubator program. Engaged in philanthropy, Christa actively serves on the board of RBG Academy International, facilitating international exchange programs and securing passports for children in underserved communities. She supports social enterprise initiatives in Tanzania and collaborates with the Fly Compton Foundation, fostering aviation aspirations among Black and Brown students. As the Project Lead on AWTD, Christa's coordination, strategic execution, and effective communication ensure the success of the program across pilot and future sites. Her dedication and expertise greatly contribute to the team's accomplishments in achieving project objectives.

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