Thursday, March 6 | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Session – Hall D
Solidarity in Action: Building Power to Transform Communities
Sponsored by Chase Bank
This session will focus on how we achieve inclusion and prosperity in a time in which demographic change, economic uncertainty, and political polarization have become major trends. How do we develop and strengthen a sense of community and shared fate in this context? What is the role of bold leadership, cross-sector conversation, and movement building to truly build power and create change? And what is the special role for California and advocates, developers, and policymakers in the housing sector?
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Manuel Pastor
Professor of Sociology and American Studies & Ethnicity
University of Southern California
Thursday, March 6 | 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Afternoon Plenary Session – Hall D
Re-Imagining the Role of the State
California is at an inflection point that will determine whether we will meet our aspirations to be a state that can deliver on our golden promise of affordable homes, health, and prosperity for all in thriving, sustainable communities. The results of the November 2024 election reflect growing skepticism about traditional institutions’ ability to address critical issues like rising housing costs and homelessness. Despite the political shifts that will surely complicate our collective efforts, there is an opportunity to reimagine the state’s role in solving these challenges by transforming its governance so that its approach to funding and service delivery can meet the needs of Californians.
Transformation will require large-scale investments in housing and infrastructure, reforming outdated processes and practices, and addressing overstressed service systems—issues that have long hindered the rapid, equitable expansion of affordable housing and person-centered support for Californians at risk of or experiencing housing instability and homelessness. This panel will explore the necessary conditions for a more vibrant and effective housing and homelessness policy landscape and identify key changes needed to expand government-led infrastructure and increase accountability for tangible impacts.
Plenary Speakers
Chione Flegal – Moderator
Executive Director
Housing California
Joseph Tomás McKellar
Executive Director
PICO California
Libby Schaff
Former Mayor of Oakland
HUD Appointee to MTC/BAHFA
Shola Olatoye
Chief Operating Officer
Eden Housing, Inc.
Veronica Lewis
Director
HOPICS
Friday, March 7 | 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Closing Plenary Session – Hall D
Lived Experience as Technical Expertise: Building Power by Bridging the Divide
People who have experienced homelessness and housing instability have expert knowledge of the housing affordability and homelessness crisis. Yet despite the strengths that this knowledge can bring to solutions, much of the power sits with people with limited lived experience of the day-to-day issues that come up. What could our movement for housing justice achieve if solutions were driven by those with direct experience of housing insecurity and homelessness and reflected in our policymaking, campaigns, and program delivery? In an environment where anti-homelessness rhetoric and action is on the rise, it is even more important to rethink our movement in a way that puts those most impacted by our systems in a co-pilot role to go beyond attesting to impacts, and rather, to build true solidarity to determine root causes and prioritize and pursue solutions. Join us for a lively discussion among individuals who have integrated both their lived experience and technical expertise to build power and enact meaningful change.
Plenary Speakers
Julie Lo – Moderator
Deputy Director of Programs
Housing California
Dr. LaMont Green
Director
TAC
Margo Velez
Senior Leader and Network Facilitator
RUN / HEAL Network
Ocean Blue Coast
Housing Organizer
Senior and Disability Action
Sabrina Fuentes
Case Manager/MAT Navigator
HEPPAC