When addressing the housing crisis in the Bay Area, one thing is clear: we need to work together. Local governments, affordable housing developers, and CDFIs all must play a part in addressing what is quickly becoming the most significant challenge facing our Bay Area community. Those most essential to the fight are devoted advocates and community development leaders preparing to bridge these institutions and lead the fight against homelessness.
Since 1988, LISC Bay Area has been key to developing this talent as a Housing Development Training Institute (HDTI) sponsor, a comprehensive program creating a pipeline of skilled housing development leaders. To date, this program has seen over 460 participants representing community development organizations throughout the state and has been critical to supporting local housing leadership.
For this story, we connected with one of our office’s biggest HDTI advocates: Executive Director Cindy Wu. We asked Cindy to reflect on what HDTI means to her and the affordable housing community:
As an executive director now, what strategies or initiatives do you prioritize to ensure the next generation of housing developers and community leaders are well-equipped for the challenges they'll face?
As an Executive Director, prioritizing the readiness of the next generation in housing development and community leadership involves recognizing the pivotal role of programs like HDTI. The transformative journey of each cohort is not just a course; it's a defining chapter in crafting resilient community leaders. Although my own trajectory in community development didn't weave through HDTI, witnessing its enduring influence on affordable housing leaders, their lasting connections, and their adeptness in navigating the intricate housing landscape is a testament to the program's lasting impact. HDTI stands as a testament to the power of fostering networks while imparting crucial skills, driving a community-first approach to housing development.
How has the landscape of affordable housing and community development changed since you started your career, and what do you believe are the most pressing challenges or opportunities in the field today?
The evolving complexity of affordable housing and community development demands a multi-faceted approach. LISC's strategy intertwines training and policy advocacy to untangle bureaucratic knots, expediting housing solutions to address the pressing issue of homelessness. By converging efforts, we aim not only to simplify processes but also to create enduring solutions and catalyze tangible change within communities.
Looking forward, what aspirations do you hold for the future of affordable housing and community development, and how do you see the role of programs like HDTI in achieving those goals?
Our pride lies in nurturing the diverse, inclusive leaders of tomorrow through HDTI. This dynamic program doesn't just cultivate skills; it curates a vibrant tapestry of voices, incorporating diverse backgrounds and perspectives, including those with lived experiences in affordable housing. Looking ahead, programs like HDTI hold the key to unlocking a more equitable future by empowering a new generation of leaders with the tools and networks necessary to drive impactful change while having a profound understanding of community needs.
As we continue to work together to solve the housing crisis, we hope more of you will join us in our fight to create a more equitable and resilient Bay Area for all. This program was made possible through the generosity of Merritt Community Capital Corporation, funding HDTI through their Commitment to California initiative.