From March 5-7th, 2025, Catherine McCullough, President/CEO/CMO and Mahalakshmi Balachandran, Senior Associate, attended the Housing California Annual Conference 2025 in Sacramento, CA. The event gathered nearly 3,000 professionals for Solidarity in Action: Building Power to Transform Communities. Topics discussed include the pressing challenges narrative; building power; and changing policy to end homelessness and create affordable homes for all.

Catherine and Maha attended tours of local affordable housing projects and multiple plenary sessions covering discussions under seven tracks and here is a quick highlight of the key takeaways:

Change in approach to affordable housing

There’s a focus on analyzing Vienna’s social housing for its highly successful social housing system. This discussion highlighted that the perception of Affordable Housing should be seen as permanent housing for all and not as housing for economically challenged people. Coalition amongst developers, local jurisdictions, homelessness/housing experts, elected leaders and community stakeholders will create a paradigm shift in how we approach affordable housing.

Solving homelessness

Housing should be a progressive approach that prioritizes permanent, stable housing to individuals followed by addressing mental health issues, disabilities, substance abuse and employment.

Housing is a human right

Expanding social housing programs, offering rent subsidies, protecting renters and improving the accessibility of mortgages for low-income families can all be part of an effort to make housing more equitable.

Shape Narratives, move mindsets, and housing justice

The first step is to understand. Understanding resident needs, abilities, challenges will help tailor place-based and user-centered housing design. Inclusive communities are those where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are seen as valuable members, and where community members interact, support, and learn from each other. Building relationships between neighbors can break down barriers and reduce stigma. Amenity spaces like community gardens, play areas, naturally ventilated and daylight spaces, and connecting with nature can make individuals engage socially, feel supported and empowered.

Housing is a climate strategy

Through innovative design, the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and leveraging infrastructure funding, we can accelerate the creation of housing that contributes to a cleaner, greener future.

Shaping the Future of Affordable Housing in California

The Housing California Conference 2025 emphasized the most urgent housing challenges in the state, showcasing successful initiatives and identifying actionable strategies to ensure that all Californians have access to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing. McCullough remains committed to these goals through continued dialogue, partnerships, and the implementation of creative design strategies. Through collaboration and forward-thinking design, we are determined to create a future where everyone has a place to call home.

Shaping the Future of Affordable Housing: Key Takeaways from the Housing California Conference 2025