Building A Better SLO presents: Design Leadership + Community Change

On November 5th, from 6-7:30 pm, Mayor of Eugene, Oregon - Kaarin Knudson - will join us to share her work across urban design, housing advocacy, and elected leadership in service of a more livable community.

 

Mayor Kaarin Knudson Architect, Educator, and writer

Event Details:

Architect, educator, and elected official Kaarin Knudson will join us to share her unique perspective on how design leadership, community collaboration, and public policy can work together to address some of today's most pressing challenges.As a longtime housing advocate and founder of the public-interest project Better Housing Together, Mayor Knudson has been instrumental in the creation of the City of Eugene’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Lane County’s first Affordable Housing Action Plan, and Oregon’s landmark middle housing reforms. 

Mayor Knudson's presentation will explore:

• How community advocacy can shape housing and land use policy: Lessons from Eugene's housing initiatives, including middle housing reforms, affordable housing funding, and collaborative approaches to addressing housing shortages.
• Why cross-sector collaboration is essential to lasting change: How architects, planners, elected officials, housing advocates, and residents can work together to advance shared goals around housing affordability, sustainability, and community well-being.
• How individuals can turn ideas into meaningful action: Practical insights into building coalitions, navigating public policy, and using professional expertise and community engagement to influence local decisions.

Whether you're a design professional, housing advocate, policymaker, student, or community member interested in the future of San Luis Obispo, this conversation offers an opportunity to explore communities can foster collective action to respond complex challenges.

About us: 

We host expert speakers who share their experiences with our community about ways to have a positive impact on the quality of development and growth in our region.

Do you care about the future of SLO and want to be part of shaping it?

Are you looking for fresh approaches to some of our region’s biggest challenges and opportunities?

Do you want to learn from experts at the top of their fields?

Have you wondered how we can make choices about planning and building on our community to benefit our economy, culture, and environment?

Building a Better SLO is for you!

Inspired by Building a Better Bend, this lecture series brings in fresh perspectives and proven experts to SLO. Our goal is to bring new information, ideas, and inspiration to San Luis Obispo, equipping our community to discuss, debate, and reimagine our built environment for the future.