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Workforce Housing in Reno and Sparks is Everybody's Concern

Is Housing in our Community Their Problem, or Everybody's Problem?

I would submit that we all need to be sure that our community provides affordable housing for all our residents.  When we have dozens or hundreds of people who can’t afford any housing, and hundreds or thousands of people who work full-time who also cannot find nor afford stable housing, we, all of us, have a problem. Many people are working on this problem, and more help is needed.  In January and March of this year, local leaders and housing experts gathered for a day of facilitated discussions led by Enterprise Community Partners to better understand the challenges facing the development of affordable housing in the Truckee Meadows region.  The discussion also touched upon ways the shortage of affordable, workforce housing could impact the regional economy.  As a result, key parties to housing development, as well as opportunities to support the expansion of workforce and affordable housing were identified. To support this work and expand the conversation, the Community Foundation in partnership with Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities is sponsoring a Community Conversation on Workforce Housing on April 13, 5-7pm.  The focus of this discussion is to bring in some people from other communities who have unique experience in reducing regulatory burdens, securing financing, and engaging philanthropy in dramatically increasing housing in their communities.  We will talk about both affordable and workforce housing. Conversation Moderator is Wendy Damonte, VP of Advocacy and Community Partnership, Renown Health Our panelists include:

  • Bob Klein, President of Klein Financial, developer of thousands of multi-family housing units in the bay area.
  • Dr.Derenda Schubert, Executive Director of Bridge Meadows, an intergenerational apartment community in Portland
  • Robin Kniech, Denver City Councilperson, and leader in reshaping Denver’s plan for accommodating growth and housing for their workforce.
  • Bob Nielsen, a local developer, and affordable housing advocate and expert.
  • Connie Wright, Executive Director of Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, granting $20 million annually for affordable housing.

75% of our time during the conversation will be direct interaction with these panelists.  Join us as we ask them pointed questions about our community and how we can move forward quickly, together, to accommodate our existing residents and plan for the needs of our dramatically increasing workforce. This is a one-time event that will be followed by a community convening process led by Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities.  Please sign up today and become part of the conversation, and part of the solution.  Reservations are required. Sign up here.  https://tinyurl.com/conversation-on-housing At the Community Foundation of Western Nevada, we connect people, like you, who care, with causes that matter. Chris Askin, President, and CEO.  775-762-1932