Managing Change in a Dynamic Community
On October 4th, 2024, Leadership Santa Cruz County (LSCC) hosted its Class 38 Housing & Economics Day, focusing on the critical leadership competency of managing change. With Santa Cruz County undergoing profound transformations in both housing and economic development, this program day was designed to ask key local leaders how these shifts will impact their organizations, the community, and themselves as leaders. As Ryan Coonerty, Executive Director of LSCC, put it, "Managing change is a fundamental challenge for leaders. We asked the leaders of Santa Cruz County how the profound changes to housing and our economy will impact them, their organizations and our community."
The Day’s Program: Exploring Housing and Economic Transformation
The day began at Kaiser Permanente Arena, where participants gathered for a welcome from Dave Kao, Chief Operating Officer of the Santa Cruz Warriors and from Beth Carr, CEO of the day’s sponsor, Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, followed by an overview of the program by Ryan. Mayor Fred Keeley then set the stage by delivering a historical perspective on housing and economic policy in Santa Cruz County, offering context for the challenges and opportunities facing the region.
Fred Keeley with Class 38 at Kaiser Permantent Arena
Participants then split into groups for a series of downtown tours that illustrated current housing and economic initiatives. These included a visit to the Anton Pacific Apartments, led by property manager Kristian Picardi, to discuss urban housing developments, and conversations with Bonnie Lipscomb, Santa Cruz’s Economic Development Director, and Lee Butler, the City’s Planning Director. The group delved into key projects such as the Pacific Station development and the South of Laurel Development Plan, which seek to address the city’s housing needs while balancing economic growth.
Rooftop deck at Anton Pacific Apartments
Reflecting on Change Over Lunch
The program transitioned to the Santa Cruz Police Department’s community room for lunch. During this time, participants were encouraged to reflect on the morning’s events by considering questions like whether Santa Cruz’s approach to density could be applied elsewhere in the county and whether the day’s tours left them feeling more optimistic about the region’s housing future.
Transitioning Economies at the Old Wrigley Building
In the afternoon, the group reconvened at the Old Wrigley Building, where they heard from William Ow, owner of University Business Park, about the transformation of the site from a 20th-century industrial facility to a modern hub for 21st-century businesses. Ryan led a discussion on the implications of this economic shift for Santa Cruz County’s future, asking participants to consider how local businesses can adapt to a rapidly changing economy.
Designing the Future
The day concluded with a design charrette led by Matthew Thompson, President of Thacher & Thompson Architects, where participants worked in teams to envision potential neighborhood designs that could support Santa Cruz County’s housing needs. This hands-on exercise gave participants the opportunity to apply the day’s lessons in real-time, grappling with the complexities of urban planning, housing policy, and community needs.
Housing charette exercise
Closing and Reflection
The day wrapped up with group presentations and reflections on the insights gained. For those eager to continue the conversation, an optional ice cream social at Marianne’s Ice Cream provided a relaxed setting for further discussions.
Housing & Economics Day underscored the critical role that local leaders must play in managing the changes shaping Santa Cruz County. As the region navigates the pressures of economic growth and housing demand, the lessons from this day will help guide these leaders as they work to balance the competing needs of their community.
Thank You
Special thanks to our sponsors, speakers and hosts: Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, SC Warriors, William Ow, Mayor Fred Keeley, Santa Cruz Planning Director Lee Butler, Santa Cruz Economic Development Director Bonnie Lipscomb, and Matthew Thompson.
Photos by Laura Knobel and Annika Wiederin
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