The Olson Company, a leading residential developer dedicated to addressing California’s housing crisis, successfully organized its 2nd Annual Housing Policy Symposium at Claremont McKenna College on Friday, April 26th. The symposium was co-hosted by Claremont McKenna’s Rose Institute of State and Local Government and former California Governor Gray Davis, bringing together key stakeholders, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss innovative solutions to the state’s pressing housing challenges.
The event began with opening remarks from Governor Gray Davis, the 37th governor of California, and L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who is renowned for her tireless work on housing issues at both the state and local levels. Governor Davis highlighted the critical need to address housing shortages, praising individuals like Scott Laurie and Steve Olson for their dedication to the housing sector. Supervisor Mitchell’s impassioned speech underscored the dire need for solutions that address the diverse housing needs of Angelenos, drawing from her personal experiences to emphasize the profound impact of housing decisions on individuals and communities. She states, “The projections suggest that the need across L.A. County is 800,000 housing units across all income levels. … I hope you all will be mindful of your own stories as we lock arms to figure out how we close this huge delta around housing availability for Angelenos across our region.”
The Rose Institute Long Beach Study conducted in partnership with The Olson Company provided insightful information and analysis on the housing situation in Long Beach. The study thoroughly examined the effectiveness of recent state laws aimed at addressing the issues of housing affordability and production, offering important insights into the challenges and opportunities that local communities face. The findings of the study highlighted the pros and cons of different housing legislation categories, like accessory dwelling units (ADUs), permit streamlining laws, and the density bonus. They shed light on how these laws have impacted housing affordability and production in Long Beach.
Secretary of California’s Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Tomiquia Moss emphasized, “Affordability is the greatest crisis facing California. … At the core of affordability is the lack of supply.”
The panel discussions at the event featured representatives from different Southern California cities. They shared their insights into innovative approaches that can help in increasing affordable housing stock and addressing regulatory barriers to housing production. Participants highlighted successful community partnerships and innovative approaches that can streamline the housing development process.
The conversation emphasized the urgency of addressing California’s housing shortage and the need for taking proactive measures to increase housing production. Despite the challenges, there was optimism about the state’s ability to meet this housing challenge. This optimism comes from changes in policy and political leaders’ commitment to prioritize housing issues.
The panel with state representatives was engaging, and it delved into the progress made in addressing homelessness and housing affordability in California. Assemblymembers Sharon Quirk-Silva and Buffy Wicks discussed challenges and solutions from a legislative perspective. They stressed the importance of creating uniformity around permitting and streamlining processes to remove barriers to housing production. They also mentioned the need for ongoing funding for affordable housing. They highlighted the impact of recent legislative measures, such as SB 9, which allows for the construction of duplexes and subdivision of residential lots for housing.
Jason Elliot, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Newsom, expressed positivity about finding solutions, stating, “I think all the ingredients are now in the pot, and our job is to stir. … I am really optimistic.”
The symposium came to a close, highlighting the complex nature of the housing challenges faced by California. It also emphasized the need for collaboration, innovation, and community engagement in finding sustainable solutions. Scott Laurie, the President and CEO of The Olson Company, emphasized the urgency for action and collaboration in addressing California’s housing crisis. He advocated for increased housing development to enhance affordability.
