Arizona Regional Pro-Housing Policy Forum

Doors Open

Welcome

Mike Kingsella, Chief Executive Officer of Up for Growth and Up for Growth Action, will set the stage for the day's discussion.

From City Hall to Capitol Hill: Partnerships to Address the Housing Shortage

Join us for a dynamic conversation exploring how every level of government can help tackle the housing shortage. David Garcia, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Up for Growth, will kick things off. Then, Ben Preis of Accelerator for America and Former Mayor John Giles and Mayor Corey Woods will highlight real-world initiatives and uncover new opportunities for local and federal collaboration to boost housing supply.

Rooting Out the Sources of the Housing Crisis in Arizona

This session will use local data to highlight the urgent need for a long-term housing policy framework and sustained advocacy. The discussion will connect Arizona’s challenges to Up for Growth Action’s federal agenda, combining an interview-style conversation with key slides and visuals.

Audience Engagement + Break

Casita Coalition, a nonprofit organization leading a broad multi-sector coalition to advance middle housing solutions, wants you help shape the conversation! As part of our Regional Pro-Housing Forum national tour, we're gathering insights from attendees like you to better understand local priorities and challenges. Your input will help inform future stops on our tour and ensure that we’re highlighting the most relevant issues across the country.

How Do We Create a Housing System That Works?

“America was once a country that did big things… But today, even while facing a host of pressing challenges—a housing shortage, a climate crisis, a dilapidated infrastructure—we feel stuck, unable to move the needle.” — Marc J. Dunkelman, Why Nothing Works America’s housing crisis embodies the institutional paralysis Dunkelman describes—gridlocked by excessive veto points, outdated federal policies, and local regulatory bottlenecks. Marc Dunkelman, Rep. Ansari, and developer Brian Swanton will discuss practical solutions for better aligning federal reforms and local actions. They'll share real-world examples of successful projects and collaborative approaches that have effectively expanded affordable housing. This panel aims to highlight realistic, achievable strategies for delivering abundant, affordable homes.

Closing Remarks

Reception and Networking

Join us for drinks, light refreshments, and networking with our special guests and speakers.