First take on outcomes from NextUp Business Forum on Affordable Housing for Economic Development

June 5, 2015

More than 120 business and community leaders and elected officials participated in the BizFed Institute’s NextUp Business Forum: Housing LA – Who Cares? Affordable Housing for Economic Development at Woodbury University in Burbank on Thursday, October 23, 2014.Â This major half-day educational event brought together top academic, government, and industry experts to address the opportunities and challenges associated with the development of affordable housing throughout Los Angeles County.By bringing together diverse – and even conflicting – voices, we found some broad points of consensus for action:

All agree that there is a housing crisis in our region
Local zoning ordinances often stand in the way of affordable housing
NIMBYism is a key barrier that must be overcome through education and organizing
CEQA lawsuit reform remains a necessary component of a solution
Affordable housing can be both good economics and a moral obligation

Next week, we will publish a comprehensive report of the proceedings, including video, briefing slides and other resources to inform action moving forward.

Thank you to the following event sponsors: