The Future of Home: Moving from Conversation to Action in Snohomish County

What does it mean to create communities where people feel rooted, connected, and able to thrive?

That question guided the 2026 Snohomish County Affordable Housing Conference, where more than 200 housing professionals, community leaders, advocates, developers, designers, funders, and public-sector partners came together to explore the future of housing in Snohomish County.

As the only event of its kind in Snohomish County, the conference serves as a space to connect across sectors, share ideas, and build momentum around the policies, partnerships, and investments needed to address the region's housing challenges.

Housing at the Heart of Community

This year's theme, The Future of Home, challenged attendees to think about housing not only as a critical foundation for stability and opportunity, but also as a catalyst for creating strong, connected communities. As Snohomish County continues to grow, the conversation centered on an important question: not just how many homes we build, but how those homes contribute to neighborhoods where people can thrive.

Throughout the day, participants explored how affordable housing intersects with belonging, access to opportunity, cultural identity, safety, and community connection. Discussions highlighted the role of placemaking in ensuring that housing developments are integrated into vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods that support long-term well-being for residents and communities alike.

Designing Communities That Last

Morning keynote speaker Craig Lewis brought more than three decades of experience in urban design, transportation, and placemaking to the conversation. Drawing on projects from around the world, Lewis highlighted the role thoughtful design plays in creating communities that are walkable, connected, and resilient.

His message reinforced a central

theme of the conference: successful communities are not created by housing alone. They are built through intentional investments in public spaces, transportation, neighborhood amenities, and opportunities for connection.

Expanding Our Understanding of Home

Afternoon keynote speaker Javier Zamora offered a powerful reflection on the meaning of home through the lens of migration, identity, and belonging.

Drawing from his experiences as an immigrant, poet, and author of Solito, Zamora explored the ways

people carry home with them and the role that safety, stability, and community play in shaping a sense of belonging. His story challenged attendees to think more deeply about what affordable housing can and should accomplish.

From Ideas to Action

The conference also created opportunities for participants to move beyond discussion and into problem-solving.

Six breakout sessions explored topics ranging from innovative construction methods and environmental remediation to navigating an evolving federal funding landscape.

Meanwhile, Solutions Labs brought attendees together for facilitated conversations focused on pressing housing challenges, including displacement, homeownership opportunities, and building stronger communities.

These conversations generated new ideas, strengthened partnerships, and produced tangible commitments that participants will continue advancing long after the conference concluded.

Looking Ahead

The Future of Home was never intended to be a one-day conversation.

The challenges facing Snohomish County are complex, but so too is the expertise, creativity, and commitment of the people working to address them. The conference highlighted the importance of bringing together voices from across sectors to learn from one another, challenge assumptions, and develop solutions that reflect the needs of the communities they serve.

As these conversations continue, the focus remains on creating not only more housing, but communities where people can thrive. The ideas shared, relationships strengthened, and commitments made during this year's conference will help shape the work ahead and the future of home in Snohomish County.