2025 Regional Housing Summit

The City of Salinas is proud to host the Regional Housing Summit 2025, a gathering designed to confront one of the most urgent challenges facing our community—the shortage of affordable housing.

By convening thought leaders, developers, policymakers, employers, and community practitioners, this summit aims to spark innovative partnerships and advance actionable solutions that expand access to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing throughout Salinas and the surrounding region. This event is not just about discussion—it’s about catalyzing action toward a stronger, more inclusive future for all residents. The event will feature Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue and Keynote Speaker Joel Kotkin.

Our Keynote Speaker will be Mr. Joel Kotkin, a prominent urban studies expert, author, and speaker known for his insights on global trends, urban development, and social dynamics. He is currently the Roger Hobbs Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University in Orange, California, where he also directs the Center for Demographics and Policy.

Additional Sessions will feature local policymakers, developers, and practitioners on sessions that focus on housing development, innovative housing models and the California housing landscape exploring the latest statewide trends, funding opportunities and policy tools. Conclude the day with a Social Networking Hour (3:30–4:30 PM), hosted by the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce—an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and continue conversations about building a more affordable and sustainable housing future.

There is no fee to attend the event. However, pre-registration is required. The pre-registration window has been closed.

Agenda

8:30AM - 9:00AM: Networking Breakfast

Join us for breakfast and connect with attendees and speakers before the Summit begins.

9:00AM - 9:15AM: Welcome Remarks - Mayor Dennis Donohue

9:15AM - 10:05AM: Keynote - Joel Kotkin

Nationally recognized urban studies scholar Joel Kotkin will open the Summit with a keynote that frames the challenges and opportunities facing cities like Salinas in addressing the housing crisis. Drawing on decades of research on urban development, demographics, and economic trends, Kotkin will highlight how housing affordability is shaping the future of California communities. His remarks will provide a broad context for local leaders to consider as they work toward actionable solutions that balance growth, equity, and livability.

10:20AM - 11:20AM: California Housing Landscape: State and Regional Tools for Local Action

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of California’s current housing landscape, including statewide housing goals, regional trends, and pressing challenges. Participants will learn about the latest state tools, funding programs, and technical assistance available to accelerate housing development. The discussion will also explore how local jurisdictions can align with state priorities while tailoring solutions to their unique community needs.

Facilitator

Joel Kotkin

Panelists

Jennifer Hernandez, Holland & Knight LLP Real Estate Lawyer

Joel Farkas, Fruition Communities

Wendall Cox, Urban Policy

Karla López del Río, Principal , Connexions Consulting

11:20AM - 11:50AM: Networking with Panelists

11:50AM - 12:35PM: Lunch

12:35PM - 1:35PM: Developer Roundtable: Building Housing in Salinas and the Tri-County Region

In this candid, solutions-driven forum, developers will discuss the real-world challenges and opportunities in bringing new housing to market. Topics will include navigating timelines, streamlining barriers, exploring CEQA reform, and fostering stronger partnerships between developers, cities, and counties. This open dialogue will provide an inside look at how collaboration can unlock stalled projects, accelerate production, and drive progress toward meeting local housing needs.

Facilitator

Colleen Bailey, Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

Panelists

Danny Bakewell of the Bakewell Developer Group

Lisa Brinton, Salinas Community Development Department Director

Hugh Walker, CEO Stonebridge Homes

Charlie Hazelbaker, Director of Forward Development KB Homes

1:50PM - 2:50PM: Innovative & Workforce Housing Panel

This panel will showcase cutting-edge construction models and design approaches that reduce cost and time to deliver new housing. Panelists will highlight innovations such as modular housing, tiny homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and mixed-use infill development—each offering practical strategies for expanding workforce housing. The conversation will focus on how these approaches can be scaled locally to increase affordability, accessibility, and community impact.

Facilitator

Tahra Goraya, MBEP (Monterey Bay Economic Partnership)

Panelists

Kathryn Avila, Avila Construction

Dr. Zandra Jo Galván, Superintendent of Schools, Salinas Union High School District

Darby Marshall, County of Monterey

3:00PM - 3:30PM: Closing Remarks - Mayor Dennis Donohue

Fireside Chat Mayor Donohue & Joel Kotkin

3:30PM - 4:30PM: Networking Event Hosted by Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

When

Wednesday, November 05, 2025 | 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Location

1 Main St, Salinas, CA, 93901, View Map

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Event Snapshot

Cost

Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Event entry is free.

Contact

Jose Arreola

831-758-7396

jose.arreola@ci.salinas.ca.us