Explore the critical role that community involvement plays in the creation and implementation of policies for equitable housing solutions. Too often, decisions about housing are made without sufficient input from the communities they will impact, exacerbating existing inequalities and failing to meet the needs of the intended beneficiaries. Collaborating with the community will provide insights from lived experience, develop trust between the community and government, and is a step towards redressing historical and ongoing inequities in housing. The panel will examine the best practices for engaging the community and identify obstacles communities and policy makers face.

• Moderator: Aysha Pamukcu / Policy Fund Director, San Francisco Foundation
• Kiana Simmons / Lead Organizer, Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo
• Leo Esclamado / Co-Director of Community Organizing and Programs, My Eden Voice
• Jocelyn Vera / Policy Associate & Community Organizer, Hope Solutions