Airbnb hosts Housing Action Coalition’s 23rd Annual Housing Heroes Awards

Honoring Policymakers and Advocates Driving Meaningful Solutions to California Housing

On October 21, Airbnb proudly hosted the Housing Action Coalition (HAC)’s 23rd Annual Housing Heroes Awards at its San Francisco headquarters, bringing together elected leaders, nonprofit changemakers, and housing advocates to celebrate the individuals and institutions making a difference in California’s housing landscape. The event spotlighted bold action, cross-sector collaboration, and the urgent need to scale solutions to the state’s housing affordability crisis.

“Our Housing Heroes celebration reminded me how strong and determined our pro-housing community truly is,” said Corey Smith, Executive Director of HAC. “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.”

Honoring Pro-Housing Leadership

Each of the honorees shares a belief that housing is more than infrastructure—it’s the foundation for thriving communities and upward mobility. By celebrating their achievements, Airbnb and the Housing Action Coalition aimed to spotlight what’s driving real change and inspire continued progress toward a more inclusive, accessible housing future for all Californians.

• The California Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom were honored for enacting transformative housing legislation that reforms the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and accelerates the construction of higher-density affordable housing across the state. Their leadership represents a historic step toward removing barriers that have slowed housing creation for decades.

• At the local level, Nikki Beasley, Executive Director of Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services, was celebrated for her ongoing efforts to close the racial wealth gap through sustainable homeownership and neighborhood reinvestment. Under her leadership, RNHS has expanded access to homebuyer education, down payment assistance, and housing preservation programs that help long-time residents remain in their communities.

• Rochelle Mills, President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO), was recognized for pioneering equitable, community-centered development models that prioritize residents’ voices at every stage. Her organization’s projects across Southern California demonstrate how affordable housing can also be a catalyst for health, dignity, and long-term stability.

In his keynote remarks CA State Senator Scott Wiener commended the honorees for their courage and urgency in tackling California’s affordability crisis. He emphasized that the state’s success depends on empowering local innovators, reforming outdated systems, and embracing public-private collaboration, themes echoed throughout the evening.

Convening, Amplifying, Investing

As the host of this year’s Housing Heroes Awards, we were proud to bring together housing advocates, policymakers, and community leaders who share a common goal: building more homes across California and ensuring every family has a place to call home.

Strengthening communities is core to our mission and tackling the root cause of housing and affordability is just one part of that. As Patrick Dillion, Director of Public Policy for North America noted in 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.”

Across markets worldwide, the data is clear: overly restrictive short-term rental regulations do not ease the housing crisis. In New York City, for example, two years after its restrictions on hosting took effect, rents have surged by more than eight percent while vacancies have remained flat. 

That’s why we are investing in solutions that build supply and support affordability, not barriers that restrict it. We have backed over 20 pro-supply organizations, launched the Airbnb Housing Council, and supported state and local initiatives like Proposition 5 in California to expand affordable housing. Our partnership with the Housing Action Coalition reflects that same commitment—using our platform and convening power to unite leaders who are working toward systemic, pro-housing reform.

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

We were honored to help facilitate the event  and remains committed to supporting the leaders and organizations. Those building coalitions, shaping new solutions, and confronting the housing crisis with creativity and courage. Momentum is building across the state, and we stand ready to continue partnering with California’s housing community to move from conversation to construction.