#United States #Los Angeles #affordable housing #CCRE #Housing Advocacy

Housing Advocates Unite at CCRE Panel for National Housing Solutions

On August 12, 2025, a significant gathering took place, drawing together housing advocates from across the United States. This panel discussion, hosted by the Center for California Real Estate (CCRE), focused on the critical issues surrounding housing affordability and the ongoing national supply crisis. With an impressive lineup of industry leaders, the conversation provided vital insights into recent advancements in federal policy aimed at addressing these pressing challenges.

Moderated by Rebecca Picciotto, a dedicated housing reporter for The Wall Street Journal, the panel featured key figures such as David Garcia, policy director for Up for Growth; Lesli Gooch, CEO of the Manufactured Housing Institute; and Kim Johnson, senior director of policy for the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Together, they explored the origins of the ongoing housing crisis, federal roles in addressing these challenges, and contemporary initiatives with the potential to catalyze significant change.

Focus on Housing Supply

A central theme of the discussion was the growing commitment within Congress to prioritize housing supply at a national level. Garcia noted a marked increase in interest from lawmakers in recent years, highlighting a proactive approach to support local and state efforts aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing. The panelists emphasized the need for regulatory reforms to eliminate obstacles to production, alongside federal investments that could spur scalable housing solutions.

Moreover, there was a consensus on the importance of addressing housing supply as a pressing issue across all levels of government. "Without the necessary regulatory adjustments and financial backing, our efforts to tackle the housing crisis risk stagnation," Garcia stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Manufactured Housing: A Key Player

Gooch brought to light the increasing recognition of manufactured housing as a practical solution to affordability challenges, especially for middle-income families. She pointed to proposed federal legislation aimed at modernizing a decades-old building code, which would facilitate a wider selection of home types and improve the approval processes for manufactured housing.

"Legislative changes are necessary to enhance our housing options and streamline their delivery across various regions," Gooch noted. This would not only help address supply shortages but also align with efforts to modernize housing design and efficiency standards. Manufactured homes, featuring advanced energy solutions and diverse designs, emerge as viable alternatives to traditional single-family units, particularly in areas resistant to new developments.

Supporting Low-Income Renters

Johnson, representing the National Low Income Housing Coalition, placed emphasis on prioritizing affordability solutions for extremely low-income renters. She pointed to alarming statistics from the Coalition's Gap Report, which indicates a shortfall of 7.1 million affordable homes for 10.9 million low-income renters across the nation.

"Federal efforts must create incentives for local governments to promote the development of affordable housing. We cannot overlook direct financial assistance for residents who struggle to maintain basic living standards alongside housing costs," she added.

Through innovative financial programs and accountability measures, the panelists reiterated that sustainable solutions must focus on protecting vulnerable populations.

The ROAD to Housing Act

Attention also shifted to the Senate's draft of the ROAD to Housing Act, which serves as a potential vehicle for positive changes in America's housing policies. This legislation could present incentives for housing production at the local level tied to community block grants, alongside essential financial tools to support affordable housing solutions.

While the act has the potential for improvement in providing resources and enhancing delivery methods for manufactured homes, it also faces challenges requiring concerted efforts at the state and local levels.

Conclusion: Dialogue and Collaborative Solutions

Conversations at the panel highlighted the necessity of continuous dialogue among stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the housing crisis. As echoed by Gooch, "It’s essential to explore what is scalable while weighing the pros and cons of varying approaches to problem-solving in housing."

In conclusion, the CCRE panel not only emphasized the critical need for legislative support and innovative solutions but also highlighted the ongoing commitment of advocates across the nation to work towards a more inclusive and accessible housing landscape. Addressing the multifaceted nature of the housing crisis requires concerted efforts, robust discussions, and a unwavering dedication to actionable change.