2026 Ruby Awards Celebrates Affordable Housing Excellence Across San Diego County
2026 Ruby Awards Celebrates Affordable Housing Excellence Across San Diego County
The 36th Annual Ruby Awards Celebrates Leadership, Innovation and Impact in Affordable Housing
On June 4, 2026, the San Diego Housing Federation proudly hosted the 2026 Ruby Awards at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, bringing together 350 affordable housing and community development leaders to celebrate the people, projects, and partnerships making a lasting impact throughout our region.
As San Diego County’s largest affordable housing recognition event, the Ruby Awards is one of the Federation’s signature annual traditions. The evening honors the outstanding achievements of individuals, organizations, and developments that are working to ensure all San Diegans—regardless of income—have access to a safe, stable place they can afford to call home.
Presented by Title Sponsor U.S. Bank, this year’s event welcomed housing professionals, advocates, public officials, community leaders, and partners from across the region for an evening of inspiration, recognition, and celebration.
An Evening of Celebration
The festivities began with the Nominee Reception, generously sponsored by Wakeland Housing & Development Corporation. Held outdoors in the beautiful Banyan Court during sunset, the reception provided an opportunity for attendees to connect, celebrate, and recognize the accomplishments of this year’s nominees.
Guests enjoyed light appetizers and refreshments while networking with colleagues and peers. Nominees walked the red carpet, posed for photos in front of the Ruby Awards step-and-repeat, and celebrated their nominations with category-specific signs alongside fellow nominees.
Following the reception, attendees gathered inside the stunning Regatta Pavilion for dinner and the awards program. The evening was emceed by Samantha Sholl, Vice President of Innovation at BBB Pacific Southwest, whose energy and enthusiasm helped make the program both engaging and memorable.
Honoring Excellence Across the Industry
This year, the Federation presented 13 awards recognizing excellence in affordable housing, community development, resident leadership, advocacy, innovation, supportive services, and collaboration.
The 2026 Ruby Award winners are:
Outstanding Resident Leader Award
Carmen Gaxiola, Paradise Creek
Outstanding Service to Residents Award
Vincent McIntyre, Alpha Project
Exemplary Public Service Award
City of San Diego Development Services Department, Urban Innovation Division
Collaborative Excellence Award
Studio E Architects
Voice of Lived Experience Award
Amelia Broadnax
Distinguished Mentor for Emerging Leaders Award
Jon Walters, Housing Innovation Partners
Rich Juarez Advocate Award
Nicole Lillie, Our Time to Act
Supportive Housing Award
Lemon Grove Encampment Resolution Project
Project of the Year – Rehabilitation
Serenade on 43rd, Wakeland Housing & Community Development Corporation
Project of the Year – New Construction Under 90 Units
Jacaranda on 9th, Community HousingWorks
Project of the Year – New Construction Over 90 Units
Harrington Heights, Chelsea Investment Corporation
In addition, the San Diego Housing Federation Board of Directors presented two distinguished honors recognizing exceptional leadership and service to the affordable housing community.
Housing Champion Award
Simonne Ruff, Director, CSH
John Craven Public Service Memorial Award
Lisa Jones, President & CEO, San Diego Housing Commission
Thank You
The success of the Ruby Awards would not be possible without the support and dedication of so many individuals and organizations.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor, U.S. Bank and all of our event sponsors for helping make this celebration possible.
We also extend our gratitude to the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay team, the Ruby Awards Selection Committee, our volunteers, nominees, award recipients, presenters, and everyone who joined us for this special evening.
Most importantly, thank you to the affordable housing and community development professionals whose work strengthens our communities every day. Your dedication, innovation, and commitment continue to transform lives and create opportunities for people throughout San Diego County.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 Ruby Award winners and nominees. We are honored to celebrate your achievements and look forward to continuing this important work together!
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