35 Years of Building Futures: Creating Career Pathways in Affordable Housing Management
35 Years of Building Futures: Creating Career Pathways in Affordable Housing Management
In Spring 2021, the San Diego Housing Federation partnered with MiraCosta College to tackle a critical challenge facing the region: the growing need for skilled, compassionate property managers in affordable housing. With the leadership of Michelle Sites (VP of SoCal Affordable at CONAM Management) and Erica Duran (Department Chair for Short-Term Vocational at MiraCosta College), two new courses were developed that summer tailored to train and uplift individuals often underrepresented in the field.
By Fall 2022, the Affordable Housing Management (AHM) Academy officially launched with a Certificate of Completion and both courses in full swing. What began as a bold proposal has evolved into a transformative program equipping students with not only technical knowledge, but mentorship, job placement support, and a pathway to stable, family-sustaining careers.
Filling a Critical Workforce Gap
As San Diego continues to build more affordable housing, one challenge grows increasingly urgent: who will manage these communities? A 2021 analysis revealed an estimated 418 annual job openings in affordable housing property management, far outpacing the number of qualified professionals ready to fill them.
This isn’t just a staffing issue. It is a question of long-term success for affordable housing. Skilled, compassionate property managers are key to maintaining quality housing, building trust with residents, and supporting vibrant, stable communities.
The AHM Academy is uniquely positioned to respond. By equipping students with specialized training, real-world experience, and mentorship, the program builds a pipeline of job-ready professionals who are prepared and motivated to step into these vital roles.
Cultivating Leadership
The AHM Academy is designed with intention: to create accessible career pathways in affordable housing management for individuals of color, those from low-to-moderate income backgrounds, and those with lived experience in affordable housing communities.
We believe the best property managers often share lived experiences with the residents they serve. By training and supporting individuals who reflect these communities, the program fosters a more representative, empathetic workforce—leading to stronger, more stable housing environments.
One alum shared, “I’m extremely grateful to the San Diego Housing Federation and Mira Costa College for offering this comprehensive course to embark my life in a career that I'm so passionate. Mr. Olivo is an excellent professor, knowledge, and accessible. Thank God for making this available at no cost and provide so many resources for success.”
The AHM Academy doesn’t just offer training. Through mentorship, peer support, and job placement support, participants are equipped to break down employment barriers and pursue long-term, family-sustaining careers in a growing industry.
Growth and Milestones
Since its launch, the AHM Academy has grown steadily both in size and impact:
In 2023, the mentorship roster included roughly 15–17 mentors. Today, in 2025, it has expanded to 46 mentors across 26 organizations.
50% of the Fall 2024 cohort are now working in the field—six in permanent roles and two with staffing agencies.
From the Spring 2025 cohort, two students have already accepted job offers, and one was promoted to Property Manager.
Our first-ever in-person job fair was held in February 2025, connecting 20 students and graduates with 9 employers offering real career opportunities.
Alumni have secured employment with organizations including CONAM Management Corporation, Community HousingWorks, Hyder Property Management Professionals, Kingdom Development, Inc., National Community Renaissance, and the City of San Marcos.
Mission Alignment
The AHM Academy is a direct expression of SDHF’s mission to build the knowledge, capacity, and influence of people and organizations committed to quality affordable housing. It supports our 35-year legacy of equity and community empowerment by cultivating a workforce rooted in lived experience and a deep commitment to service.
Invest in People. Strengthen Communities.
The AHM Academy is not just a training program. It’s a vital solution to a regional workforce crisis and a catalyst for equity in affordable housing. When you support the AHM Academy, you’re helping to build a pipeline of skilled, compassionate property managers who bring lived experience, cultural understanding, and lasting commitment to the communities they serve.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Donate: Your contribution helps expand access to training, mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and career pathways for individuals from underrepresented communities. Every dollar directly supports students working toward stable, meaningful employment.
Mentor: Are you an affordable housing professional? Lend your expertise and guidance. With over 46 mentors from 26 organizations already involved, you’ll join a powerful network shaping the next generation of leaders.
Hire a Graduate: Our students are job-ready, driven, and bring a unique, invaluable perspective to your team. Connect with us to meet qualified candidates eager to make an impact.
Reach out to Lacey Gribble, lacey@housingsandiego.org to learn more about becoming a mentor or hiring a graduate. Visit our page or contact our team to get started.
As we celebrate 35 years of impact, we invite you to help us shape the next 35. Together, we can build a more inclusive, effective, and sustainable affordable housing workforce, one career at a time.