Housing Cost vs Income in Silicon Valley: Causes, Tradeoffs, and Solutions

Housing costs in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties consume a large share of household income, affecting workers, families, and the broader regional economy. Why are housing prices and rents so high relative to income, and what policies or market changes could make a meaningful difference?

This panel discussion will bring together perspectives from the public sector, market-rate housing development, and affordable housing development to explore the economic forces shaping the region's housing costs and the practical steps that could improve affordability.

Confirmed panelists include a representative from the City of San Jose Housing Department, along with a market-rate townhome developer and an affordable housing developer.

The discussion will focus on:

• Why housing costs have risen faster than incomes in Silicon Valley
• How zoning, land costs, construction costs, and financing affect housing prices
• The roles of both market-rate and subsidized housing in improving affordability
• Policy and market approaches that show evidence of reducing housing cost burdens

This event is part of Affordable Housing Month 2026, organized by SV@Home and HLC. Sponsored by SoFA Market.

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Host or Publisher Paul Ring