This year’s symposium builds on the success of last year’s event, bringing an expanded program designed to inspire and inform. We are honored to welcome Dennis Shea, Executive Director of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy in Washington, D.C., as our keynote speaker. With his deep expertise in national housing policy and trade reform, Dennis will offer a bipartisan perspective that sets the tone for our discussions. 

Following his keynote, two dynamic panels will explore San Diego’s future, focusing on how strategic economic development and policies can drive sustainable growth and unlock new housing opportunities.

The event will conclude with a luncheon and the much-anticipated 28th annual Golden Watchdog Symposium & Awards, where SDCTA showcases the best use of taxpayer dollars & good governance from public agencies in the region as well as the worst examples in the past year. 

Purchase your tickets HERE!

Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown: 601 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101

Schedule of Events

8:00am -  8:45am: Continental Breakfast & Networking

8:45am -  10:00am: Featured Presentation  - Dennis Shea

Dennis Shea -Executive Director of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy in Washington DC

A national leader in housing policy, join Dennis as he shares bipartisan solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. Gain an insider’s perspective on policies shaping the future of housing in San Diego and beyond.

10:00am - 11:00am: From Risk to Resilience: How Community Programs Prevent Homelessness and Foster Stability

Explore how San Diego’s leading nonprofit organizations are turning the tide on homelessness by providing critical services that foster stability and keep individuals and families securely housed. Our 'From Risk to Resilience' panel will showcase innovative programs that are making a tangible difference in our community.

PANELISTS 

  • Josh Bohannan - Chief Strategy Officer at Father Joe's Villages

  • Melinda Forstey - Chief Operating Officer/ Chief Executive Officer Designate at Serving Seniors 

  • Brent Wakefield - Chief Executive Officer at Meals on Wheels

11:10am - 12:10pm: Blueprint 2050: Shaping San Diego’s Community Landscape 

Imagine a San Diego where resources are not a barrier to building a thriving community. Our Housing Opportunities Panel will challenge conventional thinking as experts and visionaries share their boldest ideas for what our city could look like in 2050.

PANELISTS

  • Perry Dealy, President & CEO at Dealy Development Inc.

  • Ricardo Flores - Executive Director at LISC San Diego

  • Rick Gentry, Former CEO of the San Diego Housing Commission

  • Gary London - Senior Principal at London Moeder Advisors

12:15pm - 1:30pm: Luncheon and The 28th Annual Golden Watchdog & Fleece Awards