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!

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 I: 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;
  Elena Losada, PhD Student, Sociology, UCSC;
  Julian Crown, Undergraduate student researcher, UCSC

11:15am – 12:30pm — Panel II: Where Are We At? 

• Elaine Johnson, Executive Director, Housing Santa Cruz County
• Emerald Waters, President, UCSC Student Housing Coalition
• Lira Filippini, Lead, Catalysts for Local Control

12:30pm – 1:30pm — Lunch w/ sandwiches & salads from Erik’s Deli (including vegan options)

1:30pm – 2:40pm — Panel III: Where Do We Go From Here? 

• 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, Dialogue, How to Get Involved, Tabling!

Organized by Our Downtown, Our Future (ourdowntownourfuture.org)