ARTICLE
By Maggie Barr, Realtor, MBA, Keller Williams Santa Cruz Director, Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors On March 5, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Housing California Conference in Sacramento, where industry leaders, developers, policymakers, and advocates gathered to discuss the future of affordable and market-rate housing in our state. This annual event is a key platform for staying informed about evolving regulations, funding opportunities, and best practices in housing development. One of the key takeaways from this year’s conference was the ongoing challenge of navigating the complex web of regulations and funding sources that impact housing projects. Many promising developments are delayed by layers of red tape—some stemming from regulatory constraints, others tied to the conditions of multiple funding sources. With many projects relying on a mix of private investment, public funds, and nonprofit partnerships, coordinating financial timelines and compliance requirements is a critical but complicated process. Discussions at the conference focused on strategies to streamline funding coordination and regulatory approvals to ensure more housing projects break ground sooner and that they can be completed as swiftly as feasible. A key theme throughout the conference was how to include housing opportunities for ALL Californians as new development projects are planned, and not just residents who are fortunate enough to afford housing in the communities where they live and work. Vulnerable populations can often be overlooked in the housing planning and development process. We need professional advocates in all influential organizations to advocate for fair housing opportunities along with market-rate development, whether those organizations are non-profits, policy makers, investors, or homeownership advocacy organizations like the California Association of Realtors where I serve as a Director. The Thursday afternoon general session covered best practices for coordinating state and local resources on projects that include affordable housing units. Elaine Johnson, J.D., Executive Director of Housing Santa Cruz County, spoke on a panel about overcoming NIMBY opposition and proving that housing can still be built—even in the face of resistance. She highlighted successes in Santa Cruz County, emphasizing that new developments are not just about constructing buildings but about strengthening and enriching communities. Elaine underscored the importance of shifting the conversation, reminding opponents that these projects enhance the experience of living in the neighborhood for everyone. Through its work, HSCC is not only addressing resistance but also changing hearts and minds with messages of hope and possibility. Another panel speaker shared that working closely with local jurisdictions to support their Housing Element goals and land-use policy updates, can result in big wins. Elizabeth Madrigal, Policy Manager at MidPen Housing in Foster City, shared the success story of the Half Moon Bay farm worker housing project at 555 Kelly Avenue. Elizabeth also added that it helps to let existing residents in an impacted neighborhood be part of the decision-making process, instead of just bystanders. Beyond policy and finance, the event provided invaluable networking opportunities, bringing together key stakeholders to collaborate on solutions for California’s housing needs. The discussions were forward-thinking, emphasizing both immediate solutions and long-term strategies to create a more sustainable housing landscape. Elaine Johnson, J.D., the Executive Director of Housing Santa Cruz greets attendees after concluding the panel on, “Overcoming NIMBYism in California’s Most Exclusionary Counties.” Seated next to Elaine is Elizabeth Madrigal, Policy Manager at MidPen Housing in Foster City. (Photo Credit Maggie Barr). Maggie Barr visiting with contacts at People’s Self-Help Housing in San Louis Obispo, Veronica Garcia, Chief Real Estate Development Officer, and Nicole Ramos, Chief Human Resources & Administration Officer (Photo credit Maggie Barr) As California continues to tackle its housing crisis, events like Housing California 2025 foster essential conversations that drive progress. I look forward to bringing these insights back to our local business community and working together to advocate for policies that support smart growth and housing affordability.
By Maggie Barr, Realtor, MBA, Keller Williams Santa Cruz Director, Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors
On March 5, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Housing California Conference in Sacramento, where industry leaders, developers, policymakers, and advocates gathered to discuss the future of affordable and market-rate housing in our state. This annual event is a key platform for staying informed about evolving regulations, funding opportunities, and best practices in housing development.
One of the key takeaways from this year’s conference was the ongoing challenge of navigating the complex web of regulations and funding sources that impact housing projects. Many promising developments are delayed by layers of red tape—some stemming from regulatory constraints, others tied to the conditions of multiple funding sources.
With many projects relying on a mix of private investment, public funds, and nonprofit partnerships, coordinating financial timelines and compliance requirements is a critical but complicated process. Discussions at the conference focused on strategies to streamline funding coordination and regulatory approvals to ensure more housing projects break ground sooner and that they can be completed as swiftly as feasible.
A key theme throughout the conference was how to include housing opportunities for ALL Californians as new development projects are planned, and not just residents who are fortunate enough to afford housing in the communities where they live and work. Vulnerable populations can often be overlooked in the housing planning and development process. We need professional advocates in all influential organizations to advocate for fair housing opportunities along with market-rate development, whether those organizations are non-profits, policy makers, investors, or homeownership advocacy organizations like the California Association of Realtors where I serve as a Director.
The Thursday afternoon general session covered best practices for coordinating state and local resources on projects that include affordable housing units.
Elaine Johnson, J.D., Executive Director of Housing Santa Cruz County, spoke on a panel about overcoming NIMBY opposition and proving that housing can still be built—even in the face of resistance. She highlighted successes in Santa Cruz County, emphasizing that new developments are not just about constructing buildings but about strengthening and enriching communities. Elaine underscored the importance of shifting the conversation, reminding opponents that these projects enhance the experience of living in the neighborhood for everyone. Through its work, HSCC is not only addressing resistance but also changing hearts and minds with messages of hope and possibility.
Another panel speaker shared that working closely with local jurisdictions to support their Housing Element goals and land-use policy updates, can result in big wins. Elizabeth Madrigal, Policy Manager at MidPen Housing in Foster City, shared the success story of the Half Moon Bay farm worker housing project at 555 Kelly Avenue. Elizabeth also added that it helps to let existing residents in an impacted neighborhood be part of the decision-making process, instead of just bystanders.
Beyond policy and finance, the event provided invaluable networking opportunities, bringing together key stakeholders to collaborate on solutions for California’s housing needs. The discussions were forward-thinking, emphasizing both immediate solutions and long-term strategies to create a more sustainable housing landscape.
Elaine Johnson, J.D., the Executive Director of Housing Santa Cruz greets attendees after concluding the panel on, “Overcoming NIMBYism in California’s Most Exclusionary Counties.” Seated next to Elaine is Elizabeth Madrigal, Policy Manager at MidPen Housing in Foster City. (Photo Credit Maggie Barr).
Maggie Barr visiting with contacts at People’s Self-Help Housing in San Louis Obispo, Veronica Garcia, Chief Real Estate Development Officer, and Nicole Ramos, Chief Human Resources & Administration Officer (Photo credit Maggie Barr)
As California continues to tackle its housing crisis, events like Housing California 2025 foster essential conversations that drive progress. I look forward to bringing these insights back to our local business community and working together to advocate for policies that support smart growth and housing affordability.