This year’s Housing California Conference marked the 40th anniversary of the organization’s tireless efforts to build a California with affordable and dignified housing for all. This year’s conference was flooded with celebration of recent legislative wins for housing, passion for the solutions, and enthusiasm for the future. With attendees ranging from community organizers, to housing developers, to state legislators, it is evident that housing is at the forefront of every Californian’s priorities.
The importance of housing and growth of its public support were highlighted by a significant increase in attendance – 2019 out-shined 2018 with approximately 50% more attendees. The estimated 2,200 attendees had the opportunity to attend an array of workshops ranging from public policy, to funding sources, to community engagement. With such a diverse collection, there were learning opportunities for everyone.
While the conference provided us with a variety of topics, it was tough to miss some common themes that resonated throughout most of the workshops – nimbyism, homelessness, and funding. Such themes highlight the fact that with growing support, there are also growing concerns. Fortunately, California’s strong, pro-housing leadership at the state level is actively making strides to provide cities across the state with the necessary tools to combat such obstacles as made evident by the Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) palpable presence at the conference.
RSG left this year’s conference feeling energized about the direction California is heading in, and the growing public support for affordable housing. It was exciting to see how this 40th annual conference presented an educational experience that encompassed an inclusionary and progressive vision for affordable housing. We are eager to see the opportunities and solutions that will arise in future legislation and look forward to celebrating more wins at the 2020 conference in San Diego.