California Developer Roundtable 2026: Candid Conversations, Collaborative Solutions

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Century Housing, Lument, and Downs Pham & Kuei LLP proudly hosted the California Developer Roundtable last week, convening leaders from across the affordable housing industry for an afternoon defined by collaboration and practical problem-solving.

This year’s program offered a clear-eyed look at the policy landscape, capital markets, and development realities shaping 2026. From evolving state priorities and legislative dynamics to the persistent financing gap and emerging structuring tools, panelists spoke openly about what’s working, what’s stalled, and where innovation is most urgently needed.

As always, the Roundtable went beyond formal presentations, delivering meaningful peer exchange between developers, lenders, attorneys, investors, and policymakers committed to advancing affordable housing across California.

Our speakers and panelists engaged in thoughtful discussion on key topics driving the industry forward:

Policy in Action

Moderator: Gary P. Downs, Partner, Downs Pham & Kuei LLP

  • Marina Wiant, Executive Director, TCAC/CDLAC
  • Steven Stenzler, Senior Policy Advisor, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP
  • William Leach, President, Kingdom Development, Inc.

Affordable Housing Power Panel: Trends, Opportunities, Obstacles and Outlook

Moderator: Joshua Hamilton, Senior Vice President, Century Housing

  • Geoffrey Brown, President & CEO, USA Properties Fund
  • Alexa Washburn, Chief Development Officer, National CORE
  • Sean Spear, President & CEO, Community HousingWorks
  • Caleb Roope, CEO, The Pacific Companies
  • Jimmy Silverwood, President, Affirmed Housing

Ground Leases and B Bonds: Solving the Gap

Moderator: Aaron Wooler, Managing Director, Lument

  • Loren Messeri, Senior Vice President of Development, Meta Housing Corporation
  • Wade Norris, Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
  • Blake Davis, Managing Director, Hudson Housing Capital
  • Tye Palonen, Principal, Haven Capital

Keynote Presentation: National Economics and Political Forecast

  • Christopher Thornberg, PhD, Founding Partner, Beacon Economics

Dr. Thornberg closed the afternoon with his signature data-driven analysis of national economic trends and political dynamics, offering context for California’s housing market and insights into what may lie ahead.

We extend our sincere thanks to our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for contributing to such an engaging and constructive dialogue.