L.A. Infill — Trends, Tips & Tools For Southern California

Council of Infill Builders
Annual Infill Conference

Location: UCLA School of Law, Room 1357
385 Charles E Young Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Wednesday, July 24, 2019, 9:45-4:00pm
Members-Only Reception to Follow

Infill development – redeveloping in our existing urban areas – often faces significant neighborhood and incumbent opposition, as well as a byzantine regulatory system. This conference will discuss the latest trends, tools and practices for addressing these challenges in Southern California. Topics include updates on state and local policies that promote infill and on regional trends that affect infill. 

Registration & Beverages: 9:15-9:45am

  • Members-only breakfast (9-9:45am)

Welcome & Introductions: 9:45-10:00am

  • Mott Smith, Board Member, Council of Infill Builders & Principal, Civic Enterprise Associates

Opening Panel 1: 10:00-11:30am
Is a Progressive Consensus on Infill Housing in Southern California Possible?

The famously left-leaning political forces in Southern California fracture on the issue of housing. Homeowner groups resist new housing to maintain the status quo in their neighborhoods. Anti-gentrification advocates fear new market-rate housing will lead to evictions of low-income tenants. Yet pro-housing groups see infill housing as a means to solve the affordability and displacement crisis. How can these progressive groups come together on this critical issue?

  • Brent Gaisford, Director, Abundant Housing
  • Alan Greenlee, Executive Director, Southern California Association of Non Profit Housing 
  • Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Executive Director, Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles (LA LISC) 
  • Moderator: Curt Johansen, Board Chair, Council of Infill Builders & Managing General Partner, Sustainable Community Partners, LLC 


Conference Keynote: 11:30-Noon – State Senator Scott Wiener (11thSenate District – S.F.)

What are the latest developments on state efforts to promote infill development, such as proposed legislation like SB 50 and implementation of legislation like SB 35 (Wiener, 2017)?


Lunch: Noon – 12:45 (provided for all attendees)

  • Separate members-only lunch with Sen. Scott Wiener (noon-12:45)


Afternoon Panel 2: 12:45-1:45pm 
Update on State Legislation and Regulations Affecting Infill Development

State policy in recent years has sought to promote infill development by providing tools to address neighborhood opposition, such as CEQA streamlining, stronger housing laws, and infrastructure investment. New proposals build on these changes. This panel will discuss the most relevant infill-themed recent and proposed legislation.

  • Liam Dillon, State Politics & Policy Writer, Los Angeles Times 
  • Lisa Engel, Chief Consultant for Committee on Housing and Community Development,California State Assembly
  • Brian Hanlon, President & Chief Executive Officer, California YIMBY
  • Moderator: Meea Kang, Board Member, Council of Infill Builders & Senior Vice President, Related California


Networking Break: 1:45-2:00pm

Afternoon Panel 3: 2:00-3:00pm 
Local Policies in Southern California Affecting Infill Development

Local policies are increasingly seeking to promote infill development, but many need updating or are beholden to local opposition to infill. This panel will discuss recent updates in places like the City of Los Angeles as well as what is needed going forward to address opposition.

  • Robin Hughes, President & Chief Executive Officer, Abode Communities
  • Jennifer McElyea, Senior Managing Partner,Watt Investment Partners
  • Paavo Monkkonen, Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
  • Arthi Varma, Deputy Director of Citywide Planning, City of Los Angeles
  • Moderator: David Mogavero, Board Member, Council of Infill Builders & Senior Principal, Mogavero Architects


Afternoon Conversation: 3:00-3:30pm – Philip A. Washington, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro)

What are the latest developments with LA Metro’s ambitious rail construction projects?

Moderator: Ethan Elkind, Director of the Climate Program, UC Berkeley Law’s Center for Law, Energy & the Environment (CLEE)



Virtual Tour: 3:30-3:55pm
L.A. Rail-to-River project

Conclusion: 3:55-4:00pm – Next Steps on infill
(Organizers)

Members-Only Reception: 4:00-5:30pm

*Purchase your tickets today — seating is limited*

***NOTE: Free & discounted conference tickets available for eligible annual members. Enroll here***

*Existing members can access complimentary passes & up to two discounted tickets*

Sponsorship generously provided by: