[SANTA MARIA, CA. March 12, 2025] –  The Santa Maria Valley Chamber, in partnership with the Home Builders Association of the Central Coast announces the 2025 Santa Maria Valley Housing Summit, scheduled to take place on March 27 from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Allan Hancock College Fine Arts Complex located at 800 S. College Dr.

This event, free to the public, will bring together experts, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the critical issue of housing in Santa Maria and the surrounding region.

Like many communities across California, Santa Maria faces significant challenges related to development of housing. The summit aims to engage a diverse group of professionals—from developers to government officials, real estate experts, and local businesses—on topics ranging from the current state of housing inventory to future market trends and the impacts of state mandates. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and hear from thought leaders about the obstacles and opportunities in homebuilding.

Key Topics to Be Discussed Include:

• Economic barriers impacting housing development
• The effect of rising interest rates on construction projects
• Understanding the impact of state-mandated housing requirements
• Navigating the complexities of permitting and local processes
• Strategies for accelerating project timelines to meet community needs

Presenters:

• Chenin Dow, City of Santa Maria – Providing an overview of the housing developments approved in Santa Maria
• Mark Schniepp, California Economic Forecast – Offering insights into the economic forces behind housing development
• Chris Guillen, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck – Addressing legislative challenges and opportunities in housing
• Matt Bronson, City of Grover Beach – Sharing solutions to expedite housing development
• Jeff Pemstein, National Association of Home Builders – Exploring challenges and potential solutions to building homes

Moderators:

• Laurie Tamura, Urban Planning Concepts
• Lindy Hatcher, Home Builders Association of the Central Coast
• Suzanne Singh, Santa Maria Valley Chamber

“We are excited to bring together a broad spectrum of experts and local leaders to tackle some of the most pressing issues in  development of housing today,” said Suzanne Singh, VP of Economic Development & Government Affairs of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. 

“This summit will serve as a valuable platform for discussion, collaboration and identifying practical solutions to improve housing availability in our region,” Singh said.

The event is free, but registration is required. Visit the Housing Summit webpage or visit santamaria.com/events for more information or to register.

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