Big ideas, real conversations, and moments that hit home.
Written by: Rose M. – Housing Advocate
I had the amazing opportunity to attend HousingWA2025 in Bellevue, WA, and it was unforgettable! From inspiring speakers to real, emotional conversations about housing legislation, every moment made me stop and reflect. I even teared up, thinking about my mom, a passionate activist, and feeling proud to carry her legacy forward.
I brought back resources for our team (and a few fun vendor gadgets!), but more importantly, I left with perspective: the power of community, collaboration, and learning from people committed to equitable housing.
The next conference is in Spokane (October 20–22, 2026), and I’m already planning to be there. I hope to attend with more of our team. Huge thanks to Bri, our Director of Housing and Economic Opportunity, for supporting my growth and encouraging me to show up, learn, and make a difference.
What is the Housing Washington 2025 Conference about?
The Housing Washington 2025 Conference brought together housing advocates, developers, policymakers, and service providers from across the state for two days of learning, collaboration, and discussion about the future of affordable housing. Held September 29–30, the event featured keynote speakers Brian Goldstone and Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, who spoke about the human and systemic factors driving housing insecurity and inequity. Attendees participated in breakout sessions on topics ranging from advocacy and communications to homeownership, multifamily development, and strategies to end homelessness. Workshops and “Learning Labs” offered practical tools for implementing fair housing policies, navigating funding, and strengthening community-driven development. Across sessions, a common theme emerged: the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration, equitable policy solutions, and sustained investment to make housing affordable and accessible for all Washington residents.
Learn more: https://www.housingwa.org