2025 Regional Housing Summit
Next date: Wednesday, November 05, 2025 | 08:30 AM
to 04:30 PM
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.
Next, enjoy lunch and a talk from Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas.
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. Space is limited so register soon.
Agenda
8:30AM - 9:00AM: Networking Breakfast
Join us for breakfast and connect with attendees and speakers before the Summit begins.
9:00AM - 9:30AM: Welcome Remarks - Mayor Dennis Donohue
9:30AM - 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.
Speaker(s)
11:30AM - 12:00PM: Networking with Panelists
12:00PM - 12:45PM: Lunchtime Talk with Speaker Robert Rivas
Enjoy lunch and a talk from Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas.
12:45PM - 1:45PM: 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
Speaker(s)
Danny Bakewell, Bakewell Developer Group
Lisa Brinton, Community Development Department Director, City of Salinas
Hugh Walker, CEO, Stonebridge Homes
2:00PM - 3:00PM: 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.
Kathryn Avila, Avila Construction
Dr. Zandra Jo Galván, Superintendent, Salinas Union High School District
3:00PM - 3:30PM: Closing Remarks - Mayor Dennis Donohue
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
36.6771362,-121.6555854
1 Main St ,
Salinas, CA 93901
1 Main St ,
Salinas, CA 93901
2025 Regional Housing Summit