CLAREMONT, CA / ACCESS Newswire / June 17, 2025 / On April 9th, The Olson Company and the Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College hosted a pivotal Housing Symposium, bringing together representatives from over 50 cities to discuss California's critical housing crisis. The event featured presentations by Supervisors from both Orange County and Sonoma County, highlighting the challenges cities and their residents face due to lack of housing affordability and shortfall of available inventories.
The symposium began with a welcome address from Ken Miller, Director of the Rose Institute, followed by opening remarks from OC County Supervisor Katrina Foley. Foley emphasized the immediate need for attainable housing in her jurisdiction and the impact of the housing crisis on families, local businesses, and the economy. The event also included the presentation of a Housing Leadership award to Buena Park's Mayor Joyce Ahn by former California Governor Gray Davis, recognizing her city's proactive approach to housing development.
A comprehensive study commissioned by The Olson Company and developed by a Rose Institute student group delivered key findings from a report titled "Building Back Better," which discussed lessons from the historic Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa, in Northern California.
Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore, a native and resident of Santa Rosa, provided additional insight and perspective on efforts to rebuild the area's housing stock ravaged by the fire. Governor Davis moderated a panel with Supervisor Gore and State Senator Kelly Seyarto (a former Los Angeles County Fire Battalion Chief), discussing the impact of recent fires in Southern California on regional housing supply and affordability.
Dr. Richard Green of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate delivered a compelling and insightful economic forecast. Following this, a panel of city officials, moderated by Jason Elliott, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Newsom, discussed specific ideas and viable action items to accelerate housing production in California, including thoughts from John Reekstin, Senior Vice President of Community Development at The Olson Company, on solutions to address the current housing crisis.
Scott Laurie, President and CEO of The Olson Company, concluded the Symposium with key takeaway remarks and lessons learned from the event. Laurie challenged city and state officials, representatives, constituents, and development companies to work collaboratively to address one of California's biggest hurdles: the shortfall of affordable housing stock. "Today's symposium clearly sets the tone and foundation for identifying and implementing action items to solve this statewide issue. Our organization continues to stand ready as a proven solutions provider in this area," noted Laurie.
Attendees were also invited to tour the newly opened Olson Homes Claremont community, Descanso Walk. This community, located on Foothill Boulevard in the western part of the city, features all-electric, solar-equipped, walkable live/work townhomes. It is conveniently situated near the downtown Claremont village district, which offers various retail and dining options, the Claremont Colleges, and a light rail station operated by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority.
Contact Information
Dawn Exline
Sr. Executive Assistant
dexline@theolsonco.com
562-370-2242
SOURCE: Olson Homes
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