The hybrid event hosted approximately 40 community stakeholders and housing experts, and featured an engaging lineup of speakers and panelists who shared insights on innovative housing models, policy solutions, and financing strategies aimed at expanding access to homeownership for working families.
“Innovation in Santa Barbara will require a systems change approach. To innovate we need to look at housing products, policies, and financing,” said Jessica Wishan de L’Arbre, CEO of Habitat Santa Barbara. “We’re so grateful for the collaborative and cross-sector participation today. We look forward to how it will influence future policy decisions locally.”
The event featured keynote speaker, Paige Roosa, Director of the Housing Innovation Lab in Boston, who launched the event by sharing the creative approaches that Boston communities have successfully implemented to increase affordable homeownership.
Next, the event featured a panel of Central Coast experts who provided a local perspective to expand upon Roosa’s presentation. They highlighted the local importance of land reforms, land use policies, and financial incentives to encourage the development of multi-family ownership housing. Panelists included Rob Fredericks, CEO, City of Santa Barbara Housing Authority; Ellen Bildsten, Bildsten Architecture and Planning, American Institute of Architecture (AIA); Michael Stoltey, President, Homeowners Building Association of the Central Coast and MD3 Investments; and Fred Sweeney, Architect (retired), AIA.
Attendees participated in interactive discussions, contributing ideas and action items to drive change in Santa Barbara’s housing landscape.
Lisa Carlos who sits on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County and leads their education, advocacy and housing innovation committee said, “This event demonstrated that innovation, partnerships, and political will are the keys to addressing our housing crisis.”
As a result of the event, Habitat Santa Barbara will compile key recommendations from attendees and work with policymakers and partners to advance tangible housing solutions.