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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)

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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

2:40pm - 3:15pm — Final Discussions, etc...
Dialogue, how to get involved, tabling!

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