Creating Vibrant Neighborhoods for
Our Growing Latino Population

Strategies to Affordable Housing in Southern California

Date:January 10, 2004, San Fernando, CA

According to US Census data, the Latino population in California has increased in the past decade from 26% to about 31% of our total population. How will this demographic shift impact the urban fabric of our communities? How can Latino leaders make decisions today that will make our cities and towns better places to live tomorrow?

This program provided a forum for participants to learn about the latest housing demographics and trends for the Latino community. Speakers shared some outstanding models for urban design appropriate for accommodating this growing population — models that have already been built in a few Southern California cities. Finally, we described methods for involving the public in land use decisions and explored ways to finance new, affordable housing.

On the Agenda

• Leo Estrada, Professor of Urban Planning, UCLA (Presentation: "Our Growing Latino Population: Implications for Housing")
• Michael Pyatok, Principal, Pyatok and Associates
• Jay Stark, Chief Operating Officer, Phoenix Housing Partners West (Presentation: "Investment Funds for the Creation of Housing in Southern California")
• Paul Zykofsky, AICP, Director of Land Use & Transportation Programs, Local Government Commission

Hosted by

• Mayor pro Tem Maribel de la Torre, City of San Fernando

Funded by

• The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

In Partnership With

• The Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund
• Latino Issues Forum
• Latino Urban Forum
• Transportation & Land Use Collaborative of Southern California