On April 9th, Olson Homes and the Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College came together to host an inspiring Housing Symposium focused on one of California’s most urgent challenges: the housing crisis. This important event brought together leaders and representatives from more than 50 cities to share ideas, learn from each other, and explore ways to make housing more affordable and available across the state.
The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Ken Miller, Director of the Rose Institute, followed by opening remarks from Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley. She spoke passionately about the need for more attainable housing, highlighting how the shortage affects local families, businesses, and the economy. Buena Park’s Mayor Joyce Ahn was honored with a Housing Leadership Award presented by former Governor Gray Davis for her city’s forward-thinking efforts in housing development — a proud moment for everyone in attendance.
One of the most eye-opening moments came from a student-led presentation on Building Back Better, a study commissioned by Olson Homes, which looked at lessons learned from the Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa. Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore, a Santa Rosa local, shared firsthand stories about rebuilding his community’s housing after the devastating fire.
A standout panel moderated by former Governor Gray Davis and featuring Supervisor Gore and State Senator Kelly Seyarto dug deep into how recent fires in Southern California have shaped the region’s housing challenges. Adding to the conversation, Dr. Richard Green from the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate provided an insightful economic forecast that helped put the big picture into perspective.
Later, city officials and housing experts — including Olson Homes’ own John Reekstin, Senior Vice President of Community Development — joined a panel moderated by Jason Elliott, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Newsom, to brainstorm real, actionable solutions to boost housing production statewide.
To close out the day, Scott Laurie, President and CEO of Olson Homes, delivered heartfelt remarks, calling on everyone — city leaders, state officials, developers, and community members — to come together and turn these conversations into real action. “Today’s symposium clearly sets the tone for identifying and implementing the steps needed to solve California’s housing shortage,” Laurie emphasized. “Olson Homes is proud to be a solutions-driven partner in this mission.”
As the day wrapped up, attendees also had the chance to explore Descanso Walk, Olson’s newest community in Claremont. These stylish, all-electric, solar-equipped townhomes are designed for modern living, offering easy access to the vibrant Claremont Village, local shops and restaurants, the Claremont Colleges, and convenient public transit. It was the perfect way to experience firsthand how Olson Homes is creating thoughtful, sustainable communities that help meet California’s growing housing needs.
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About Olson Homes
Since 1988, Olson Homes has built new home communities and new construction homes for sale near you across the SoCal region. Focused on developing walkable, attainable, flexible floorplan new homes in ideally located new home communities across Orange County and Los Angeles County, the new homes for sale from Olson Homes are close to schools, shopping, dining, transportation, and recreational options. With new home personalization choices, including appliance upgrades, cabinet finishes, flooring options, and new home automation packages, you can create the new home of your dreams. Olson Homes is a multiple Eliant Award winner, including the 2025 Best Overall Home Purchase and Ownership Experience Award. If you’re looking for a new home for sale near you, take a look at our new home communities for sale now, as well as our new homes coming soon.
