Airbnb hosted the Housing Action Coalition’s (HAC) 23rd Annual Housing Heroes Awards on October 21 at its San Francisco headquarters. The event brought together policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and housing advocates to recognize efforts addressing California’s housing affordability crisis.
Corey Smith, Executive Director of HAC, expressed appreciation for the collective commitment to improving housing in California. “Our Housing Heroes celebration reminded me how strong and determined our pro-housing community truly is,” Smith said. “From elected leaders to advocates and builders, we’re united by a shared belief in a more affordable, inclusive, and abundant California. I’m grateful to this year’s honorees, to Airbnb for hosting us and being a committed partner in pro-housing policies, and to all our supporters whose leadership inspires us to keep pushing for the homes our communities need.”
The awards honored individuals who believe that housing is fundamental for community well-being and economic mobility. Airbnb and HAC aimed to highlight achievements that are driving progress toward more accessible housing across the state.
California State Senator Scott Wiener delivered keynote remarks at the event. He praised honorees for their efforts to address affordability challenges and called for reforms at both local and state levels. Wiener emphasized the importance of empowering innovators and fostering public-private partnerships.
Patrick Dillion, Airbnb’s Director of Public Policy for North America, addressed the root causes of the crisis during his remarks: “The root cause of the housing crisis is a lack of supply. Housing policy at the state and local levels has largely been driven by a fear of change, but innovative thinking and changes are exactly what we need.”
Airbnb referenced trends in other markets such as New York City where restrictive short-term rental regulations have not led to increased vacancies or lower rents; instead, rents have risen over eight percent two years after new rules took effect while vacancy rates remained unchanged.
To address these issues, Airbnb stated it has supported more than 20 organizations focused on increasing housing supply, launched its own Airbnb Housing Council, and backed initiatives like Proposition 5 in California aimed at expanding affordable housing options.
The company described its role as host as part of a broader effort to strengthen communities by encouraging solutions that expand rather than restrict housing supply. “When done right, short-term rentals can be part of a healthy, balanced housing ecosystem—one that empowers homeowners, strengthens local economies and helps communities thrive,” according to Airbnb.
Airbnb concluded with a commitment to continue supporting coalitions working on new approaches to California’s ongoing housing challenges.
