From Ideas to Action: Reimagining Housing in Santa Barbara
On March 21, 2025, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County (Habitat Santa Barbara) hosted a transformative Housing Innovation Event, convening policymakers, architects, developers, and community leaders to explore new strategies for increasing affordable homeownership opportunities in the region.
The hybrid event welcomed approximately 40 community stakeholders and housing experts, featuring an engaging lineup of speakers and panelists who provided valuable insights on housing innovation, policy solutions, and financing strategies.
Panelists included:
Rob Fredericks, CEO, City of Santa Barbara Housing Authority
Ellen Bildsten, Bildsten Architecture and Planning, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Michael Stoltey, President, Homeowners Building Association of the Central Coast and MD3 Investments
Fred Sweeney, Architect (retired), AIA
Keynote Insights from Boston’s Housing Innovation Lab
The event commenced with an inspiring keynote address by Paige Roosa, Director of the Housing Innovation Lab in Boston. Roosa shared creative approaches that Boston communities have successfully implemented to expand affordable homeownership, setting the stage for a robust local discussion on how Santa Barbara can adopt similar solutions.
Following Roosa’s presentation, a panel of Central Coast experts provided a local perspective on key challenges and opportunities in Santa Barbara’s housing landscape. Panelists explored the significance of land reforms, land use policies, and financial incentives to encourage the development of multi-family ownership housing.
Attendees actively participated in interactive discussions, contributing ideas and action items aimed at driving tangible change in Santa Barbara’s housing market. The event underscored the importance of community collaboration in shaping policies that support working families in achieving homeownership.
As a direct outcome of the Housing Innovation Event, Habitat Santa Barbara will compile key recommendations from attendees and work with policymakers and partners to advance actionable housing solutions. By fostering continued dialogue and collaboration, the organization aims to drive real progress in making homeownership more accessible for Santa Barbara’s workforce.
“Innovation in Santa Barbara will require a systems change approach. To innovate, we need to look at housing products, policies, and financing. We’re so grateful for the collaborative and cross-sector participation today. We look forward to how it will influence future policy decisions locally.”
Paige Roosa, Director of the Housing Innovation Lab, shares the exciting efforts the city of Boston is taking to accelerate the construction of affordable starter homes for families.