Local Solutions, Lasting Impact: How Cities Respond to Housing Challenges

California’s housing crisis is playing out in neighborhoods across the state, and cities are at the forefront of devising solutions. From zoning changes and streamlining reforms to affordable housing initiatives and community engagement, local governments are on the front lines of housing innovation.

Join the Center for California Real Estate (CCRE) for a timely panel focused on how local leaders are driving solutions to their housing challenges. This conversation brings together local government officials to discuss the strategies their cities are deploying to expand housing access, increase affordability, and shape sustainable growth.

This event offers a valuable opportunity to hear directly from those enacting change where it matters most—in the communities they serve.

Can't join CCRE in Costa Mesa? Tune into the live conversation via Zoom.

Venue

The Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa

686 Anton Blvd.

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Schedule

• 9 – 10 a.m. | Continental Breakfast & Networking

• 10 – 11:15 a.m. | Panel Discussion

• 11:15 – 11:30 a.m. | Audience Q&A

Moderator

Phil Hawkins

CEO

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Hawkins oversees the association’s objectives, business development, strategic planning, legislative policies and creating products so that real estate professionals can remain at the center of the real estate transaction and succeed in today’s rapidly changing real estate market. He previously served as chief executive officer for the Pacific West Association of REALTORS® (PWR), one of the largest local real estate associations in California. At PWR, Hawkins oversaw all aspects of the association, including professional standards, education, political advocacy, finance, charity foundation, community involvement, communications, and Multiple Listing Services. He joined PWR in 1998 as vice president of Government Affairs, representing the interests of the association in matters involving local, state, and federal governments. He was named executive vice president of Government Affairs in 2008 and then became the association’s CEO in 2015.

Cecilia Hupp

Mayor Pro Tem

City of Brea

Mayor Pro Tem Hupp has championed housing and community development during her tenure on the Brea City Council, with a focus on affordable housing for seniors and workforce residents. She has supported major mixed-use developments at La Floresta, Brea Place, and Central Park Village, and helped approve Brea’s first workforce-housing project. Hupp serves on multiple regional housing and development bodies, including the League of California Cities Housing Committee and the Orange County Housing and Community Development Commission. She and her husband have operated a local mortgage business for over three decades and have lived in Brea since 1988.

Chi Charlie Nguyen

Mayor

City of Westminster

Mayor Nguyen serves on the League of California Cities Policy Committee on Housing, Community and Economic Development, where he advocates for housing access and livable communities. A longtime Westminster resident and experienced business owner, Nguyen brings both public and private sector insight to addressing housing needs in his city. He has spent more than 35 years volunteering on projects supporting youth, seniors, and underserved communities. His leadership is grounded in a commitment to making Westminster a safe and prosperous place for families to live and thrive.

John Nielsen

Mayor Pro Tem

City of Tustin

Mayor Pro Tem Nielsen was first elected to the Tustin City Council in 2008 and served as Mayor in 2012 and 2016. He represented the region on boards including the Orange County Sanitation District, Southern California Association of Governments, and the Orange County Fire Authority. He also served on the Tustin Planning Commission for six years and was elected in 2022 to the East Orange County Water District Board. In November of 2024, Nielsen was again elected to the Tustin City Council representing District 2.

Scott Voigts

Mayor

City of Lake Forest

Mayor Voigts has lived in Lake Forest since 1978 and is deeply engaged in both civic and community life. Following a serious construction accident in 1991 that left him paraplegic, he has remained active in public service, currently serving on several regional boards including the Transportation Corridor Agency and Southern California Association of Governments. He is also District Director to Orange County Supervisor Donald P. Wagner. Voigts brings a strong focus on fiscal issues, and government accountability to his leadership in Lake Forest.