Alex Shoor is a go-getter who loves coming up with new ideas and making them happen. He’s started cool things in his community, like naming a street after Barack Obama and setting up a local farmers market. He also helped create a group called Catalyze SV and is its prominent leader. Alex has two big goals. First, he wants to make Silicon Valley a great place for everyone to live. Second, he wants to make the government work better for all of us. Additionally, he co-founded and is the Executive Director of Catalyze SV (Silicon Valley).

Founded in December 2016, Catalyze Silicon Valley began as a collaboration between Alex and four other community leaders in his San Jose living room. The non-profit has since expanded, boasting many individual, foundation, company, and government supporters. With a budget surpassing a quarter of a million dollars, Catalyze SV champions sustainable and equitable communities, especially given Silicon Valley’s intensifying housing crisis. They emphasize the importance of development that aligns with community desires, sustainability, and inclusiveness.

In this episode, Alex talks about his journey to make things better. He’s really into fair housing and getting people involved in their community. You’ll hear how Catalyze SV is doing new things, like making spaces for women and kids. They’re also asking San Jose to get rid of some parking rules. Plus, Alex shares his dreams for San Jose and his plans to run for city council.