Our Downtown, Our Future
Convening Community — Information, Discussion, Action
The Measure O campaign taught us something crucial — we all want affordable housing, a great library, sustainable/efficient parking, and thriving community spaces — we just had different views on how to achieve them.
It's time to convene wide standpoints from the community to come together —
to talk, listen, learn, and move forward together —
toward a better tomorrow.
Introducing our first convening conference!
Affordable Housing in Santa Cruz:
Diverse Perspectives on Our Crisis
Saturday, October 14, 2023
9:15am to 3:15pm
Lunch provided — Erik's Deli sandwiches (w/ vegan options) & salads
London Nelson Center — Room 3
301 Center Street, Santa Cruz
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This in-person event includes three panels discussing the crisis of affordable housing in our community: how did we get here, where are we at, and where can we go from here? Come and hear diverse perspectives on causes and solutions. Whether you're a concerned citizen, a local policymaker, or simply want to learn more, we hope you will take part! Don't miss this opportunity for dialogue. Together, let's work towards sufficient affordable housing in Santa Cruz!
(sliding scale — Free to $25 donation)
9:15am - 9:40am — Registration, coffee and pastries
9:40am - 9:50am — Greetings and opening remarks by Mayor Fred Keeley
9:50am - 11:10am — Panel One
How Did We Get Here?
With Panelists:
Gabriel Sanders, Director of Housing & Community Development Policy
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
Gary Patton, Former County Supervisor
Santa Cruz County
Miriam Greenberg, Professor of Sociology, UCSC;
Elena Losada, PhD Student, Sociology, UCSC;
and Julian Crown , Undergraduate student researcher, UCSC
11:15am - 12:30pm — Panel Two
Where Are We At?
With Panelists:
Elaine Johnson, Executive Director
Housing Santa Cruz County
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Emerald Waters, President
UCSC Student Housing Coalition
Lira Filippini, Lead
Catalysts for Local Control
12:30pm - 1:30pm — Lunch
with sandwiches & salads from Erick's Deli (including vegan options)
1:30pm - 2:40pm — Panel Three
Where Do We Go From Here
With Panelists:
Tom Stagg, Chief Initiatives Officer
Housing Matters​
Diana Alfaro, Lead
Santa Cruz YIMBY Action
& Affordable Housing Developer
Bruce Van Allen, Former Mayor
City of Santa Cruz
​& Trustee on the Santa Cruz County Board of Education