The Multigenerational Housing Solution, with Kay Sibetta, AARP Georgia, and Will Johnston, MicroLife Institute (North Fulton Voices, Episode 10)
In this episode of North Fulton Voices, hosts Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond discuss the local workforce housing crisis with guests Will Johnston, Executive Director of the MicroLife Institute, and Kay Sibetta, Associate State Director of Community Outreach for AARP Georgia. They cover the specific issues facing seniors, declining school enrollments, and the importance of building diverse, multigenerational housing options. The conversation highlights the need for community engagement, innovative housing solutions like ADUs and micro-neighborhoods, and the urgency of updating zoning laws to create more inclusive, affordable housing. The hosts and guests emphasize the importance of education, architectural design, and outreach in fostering community acceptance of these housing changes.
North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC.
Kay Sibetta, Associate State Director, Community Outreach, AARP Georgia
AARP Georgia is a state-level chapter of the national AARP organization, focusing on issues affecting individuals aged 50 and older within the state. It provides various resources and support, including caregiver assistance, legal services, and financial aid programs. AARP Georgia advocates for policies benefiting seniors and offers community grants to enhance livability, such as improving public spaces and transportation. Additionally, it promotes initiatives like the Affordable Connectivity Program to ensure access to affordable high-speed internet for eligible residents. Local chapters across Georgia engage in community service, cultural events, and advocacy efforts tailored to regional needs.
Kay’s LinkedIn | AARP Georgia: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Will Johnston, Executive Director, MicroLife Institute
The MicroLife Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to transforming housing options through innovative, sustainable, and affordable solutions. Specializing in “pocket neighborhoods,” the Institute develops small-scale, community-focused housing projects that reduce environmental impact and promote inclusivity. It combines education, advocacy, and research to address zoning reforms and expand housing choices, particularly for underserved populations. Notable projects include the award-winning Cottages on Vaughan and the Hope Springs Townhomes, which provide affordable housing while fostering community connections. Through workshops, consulting, and outreach events, the MicroLife Institute empowers individuals and municipalities to embrace micro-living principles for stronger, more equitable communities.
Will’s LinkedIn | MicroLife Institute: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Voices
00:40 Discussing Senior Housing Issues
01:05 Jack’s Data Insights
03:08 Meet the Guests: William Johnston and Kay Sibetta
03:23 Kay Sibetta on AARP’s Role and Initiatives
06:41 William Johnston on MicroLife Institute
08:42 Challenges and Solutions in Housing
11:42 Community Engagement and Zoning
15:42 AARP’s Advocacy and Outreach
21:13 The Importance of Education and Communication
27:50 Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Challenges
28:48 Affordable Housing and NIMBYism
29:42 Design and Architecture in Housing
31:14 Walkability and Livable Communities
33:53 Micro Housing and Pocket Neighborhoods
35:01 Municipalities and Workforce Housing
43:54 Community Engagement and Future Planning
North Fulton Improvement Network
The North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) is a think tank made up of community leaders from a variety of sectors, focused on missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. We come from the six cities making up the northern half of Fulton County, Georgia—Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs—and are working to address the widespread yet little-known financial vulnerability across the region. With stakeholders from sectors including business, nonprofit, faith, government, and citizens, we center our work on five areas of impact, seek to educate the public about these issues, build a network of individuals and organizations with innovative private and public solutions, and connect resources to those in need.
The leadership team of NFIN is Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn.
Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | YouTube
Jack Murphy
Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is Chair of the North Fulton Improvement Network. He is also in his 21st year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
He has served on both the National and Georgia Boards of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, responsible for Diversity, Advocacy, & Systemic Change. Jack is currently the national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.
Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a M.Ed. from UNC-Greensboro. Jack and his wife, Nancy, a retired elementary school principal, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They live in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Nancy Diamond
Nancy Diamond is a Project Manager with Schmit & Associates, a real estate development firm, creating town center revitalization in communities all around the metro area.
Nancy served 8 years as a Roswell City Council Member, including a term as Mayor Pro Tem, with liaison positions with Community Development, Transportation, Recreation & Parks, and Public Safety.
In addition to her work with the North Fulton Improvement Network, Nancy has been active in area non-profit organizations, including board leadership positions in the STAR House Foundation, WellStar North Fulton Hospital, and the Roswell Rotary Club.
A native of Atlanta and a 42-year North Fulton resident, Nancy worked at Turner Broadcasting in the early years of CNN, then became a freelancer in sports television graphics. While raising her two daughters, she worked from home, first developing a corporate gift service and later as a mortgage loan originator.
Nancy and her husband, Glenn, now relish the role of grandparents to 8-year-old Owen.
About North Fulton Voices
While North Fulton County is one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, the region faces a growing crisis: a severe shortage of housing options for middle-income employees, particularly essential workers such as first responders and teachers. North Fulton Voices, presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network, is the go-to source for in-depth analysis and discussion of missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. Listen as we understand the implications of this problem, explore innovative solutions, and examine why providing these housing options is vital for North Fulton’s future. The show is sponsored and offered as a service to the community by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.
Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and Business RadioX – North Fulton
The North Fulton Voices show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.
John Ray is a podcast show host and producer and owns North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®.
John also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. John’s services include advising solopreneur and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.
John is the author of the #1 nationally best-selling book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.
John is the host of North Fulton Business Radio and The Price and Value Journey. North Fulton Business Radio, the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton region of Georgia, features a wide range of business and community leaders. The Price and Value Journey is devoted to solo and small firm professional services providers and covers issues such as pricing, value, and business development.
