Our Downtown, Our Future
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.
Convening Community — Information, Discussion, Action
Introducing our first 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)
Conference Schedule:
9:15am - 9:40am — Registration, coffee and bagels!
9:40am - 9:50am — Greetings and opening remarks by Mayor Fred Keeley!
9:50am - 11:10am — Panel One: How Did We Get Here?
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
Julian Crown,
Undergraduate student
researcher, UCSC
Elena Losada, PhD Student,
Sociology, UCSC
11:15am - 12:30pm — Panel Two: Where Are We At?
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 w/ sandwiches & salads from Erick's Deli (including vegan options)
1:30pm - 2:40pm — Panel Three: Where Do We Go From Here?
Tom Stagg, Chief Initiatives Officer, Housing Matters​
​Diana Alfaro, Lead, Santa Cruz YIMBY Action & Affordable Housing Development
Bruce Van Allen, Former Mayor, City of Santa Cruz & Trustee on the
Santa Cruz County Board of Education
2:40pm - 3:15pm — Final Discussions, Dialogue, How to Get Involved, Tabling!
With Co-Sponsors
