2025 Affordable Housing & Community Development Conference Recap

Celebrating 35 Years of “The Power of Us”

The San Diego Housing Federation’s 2025 Affordable Housing & Community Development Conference brought together over 500 attendees on Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. This years theme “The Power of Us: 35 Years of Transforming Housing Through Collaboration”, focusing on celebrating 35 years of collective collaboration, advocacy, and innovation in advancing affordable housing across the region. The day highlighted the strength of our community and the shared commitment that continues to drive this work forward.

A Day of Insight and Inspiration

The morning began with an engaging Early Funders Panel, followed by a morning keynote address from Rev. Dr. G. Penny Nixon, Faith Director for the Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County.

Throughout the day, attendees took part in workshops across six tracks—Communications & Engagement, Design & Development, Emerging Trends, Housing Finance, Policy & Advocacy, and Supportive Housing—each offering opportunities to learn, share, and connect around the pressing issues shaping our field.

Connecting and Learning Together

The foyer hosted 25 exhibitors, featuring a diverse group of organizations that sparked meaningful conversations and provided opportunities to build new connections, as well as a complementary headshot lounge.

In the afternoon, Dr. Margot Kushel, Director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, delivered a compelling keynote on the intersection of health, housing, and equity.

After a full day of learning, the day concluded with a networking reception, giving attendees the chance to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the collective progress made over the past 35 years.

Thank YOU

We extend our deepest thanks and gratitude to our sponsors, volunteers, Marriott team, and all who attended for helping make this year’s conference a success. Your dedication, collaboration, and shared vision truly embody The Power of Us.