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Organization: Valley Industrial Association
Date: August 31, 2008
Panel Set to Discuss Workforce Housing and Mobility in the Santa Clarita Valley
Even with a dramatic decline in housing prices, an imbalance between affordable housing and jobs in the Santa Clarita Valley still exists.
(From left) Bill Kennedy, Kathy Norris, and Julie Weith from the Valley Industrial Association join Paul Brotzman, director of community development for the city of Santa Clarita to discuss plans for workforce housing that will be discussed at VIA's September 16 business luncheon. The event will be held in conjunction with the SCV Chamber of Commerce, City of Santa Clarita and Building Industry Association.
SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA (August 29, 2008) — The Valley Industrial Association, Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, City of Santa Clarita and Building Industry Association will host an in-depth panel discussion on the merits, challenges and vision for workforce housing and employee mobility in the Santa Clarita Valley at the next Valley Industrial Association luncheon on Tuesday, September 16, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Valencia, 24500 Town Center Drive in Valencia.
Local employers have experienced difficulty retaining employees in recent years and attracting new ones due, in part, to the inability of many workers to afford to live in the same area as they work. As a result, the lack of affordable housing often forces workers to live in outlying areas and commute long distances. The rise in fuel costs only adds to the hardship. Hourly workers and mid-management personnel have been the most affected.
To address the issue, VIA sponsored a Workforce Housing symposium earlier this year and invited around 40 community thought-leaders to discuss the issues affecting local businesses and the community at-large. It was discovered that economic growth for many businesses operating in the Santa Clarita Valley was inhibited due to the lack of local workers, since the cost of housing had outpaced the rate of income change.
The September 16 luncheon is the next step in developing long-term solutions. The panel discussion will focus on the current and future critical needs of economic development, business, industry and the community.
Panelists include:
Bill Kennedy, VIA board member, chairman-elect SCV Chamber of Commerce, and planning commissioner for the City of Santa Clarita
Paul Brotzman, director of community development, City of Santa Clarita
Holly Schroeder, president/chief executive officer, Building Industry Association
Fred Arnold, president, California Mortgage Brokers Association and American Family Funding
Jack Shine, Habitat for Humanity
Julie Weith, VIA chairwoman of the board and Charlie Gill, SCV Chamber of Commerce chairman, will provide opening remarks. Andy Pattantyus, VIA board member, will moderate the event.
The business luncheon is open to the public. Cost is $40 and space is limited. Reservations for the September 16 luncheon should be received by Thursday, September 11 and can be made by calling VIA at (661) 294-8088 or by visiting www.via.org.
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ABOUT THE VALLEY INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION (VIA) — The Valley Industrial Association of Santa Clarita represents business interests throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. VIA provides its members — industrial, commercial and service companies — the opportunity to collaborate on a broad range of business issues. In addition to being a legislative advocate, VIA serves as a one-stop shop for relevant business information, supports local educational initiatives, and provides networking opportunities. www.via.org
