What’s Ahead for California’s Housing Crisis?

Homelessness in California has reached record levels as housing continues to become even more exorbitant: Nearly one-third of renters spend over 50% of their income on rent and utilities. The Feb. 19 conference, “California’s Housing Crisis: Roots of the Problem and What Lies Ahead,” will highlight the economic and social dimensions of the state’s housing challenges. California Lutheran University School of Management’s Center for Economics of Social Issues (CESI) will host the conference from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Lundring Events Center on the Cal Lutheran campus.

“The truth behind CESI’s research numbers is that working families are struggling for stability, dignity and the fundamental right to a decent life,” Jamshid Damooei, Ph.D., CESI executive director, said.”

The half-day conference is based on the findings of the 2026 report, “California’s Housing Crisis: Roots of the Problem and What Lies Ahead.” He will release the comprehensive report of expanded findings at the conference.

“With our research, we hope to help solve the housing affordability crisis by presenting reliable data and sparking conversations,” Damooei said. 

Speakers will challenge assumptions about markets, profitability and address what true success looks like for communities.

Ruslan Korchagin, a doctoral candidate, will address children’s homelessness in Ventura County and its socioeconomic consequences in his keynote speech.

Bruce Stenslie, president/CEO of the Economic Development Collaborative, will moderate the keynote panel of thought leaders and create a space for vibrant discussion. The panel will examine practical policy solutions that can be made at all levels of government.

Panelists include Linda Braunschweiger, CEO, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County and Housing Land Trust Ventura County; Rudy Espinoza, CEO, Inclusive Action for the City, Los Angeles County; Tracy McAulay, housing solutions director, County of Ventura; and Lucas Zucker, co-executive director at CAUSE, Ventura County.

Select study findings explored at the conference include:

• 22% less likely: That a woman-led household will own their home, compared to households overall.
• 65%: Black households with the highest level of rent burden; 39% have a severe rent burden.
• 23.9%: People between the ages of 25 and 44 who own their homes; the number rises to 30.9% for those aged 45 to 59. 
• One in five: The number of homes in California that are investor-owned, according to newly released data.
• 40%: The increase in rents since 2000, while renters’ income has increased only 9%.

“Too many people in our state have grown accustomed to the housing affordability crisis,” said Gerhard Apfelthaler, Ph.D., dean of the School of Management at Cal Lutheran. “But we cannot ignore that a significant proportion of the state’s families are in despair.”

Cal Lutheran is located at 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. There is no cost to attend for Cal Lutheran faculty, staff and students. Tickets are $50 for community members and $30 for Cal Lutheran alumni. Register at CalLutheran.edu/cesi-tickets.

View additional research findings in “California’s Housing Crisis: Roots of the Problem and What Lies Ahead:” Link