Building Power for Housing Justice: What We're Learning in California
What does it take to build enough power to transform a state's housing system? For the past two years, we've had a front-row seat working with housing leaders across California who are tackling this question head-on. Through the Statewide Housing Advocacy Committee (SHAC), 13 organizations have come together with one ambitious goal: to create the conditions for transformative policy wins that establish a racially just, permanently-funded housing system in California.
Beyond Campaigns: Understand Power First
Housing advocates across California have worked diligently for decades to build a more just, equitable, and affordable housing system. Yet, California’s housing crisis has ballooned. When we began working with the embers of SHAC, many in the group wanted to find a breakthrough campaign to move together. The logic was straightforward- the crucible of a campaign will test the mettle of a coalition and show demonstrable action. But one thing we’ve learned: you can’t just jump into a campaign and hope for the best.
Taking inspiration from Hahrie Han and colleagues’ book Prisms of the People, we started with a crucial first step: mapping out where power actually lies in California's housing landscape. What we found was eye-opening. While housing advocates can often stop harmful policies, they don't yet have enough collective muscle to push through the bold solutions we need.
So what does building that kind of power look like? It's not just about better campaign tactics. The real work happens in strengthening relationships across groups that haven't traditionally worked together, finding common ground on priorities, and shifting how people think about housing – from seeing it as a market commodity to understanding it as a public good we all deserve.
Key Lessons for Building Power
Some key lessons we’ve learned from Prisms of the People that we’re applying to SHAC:
Quick fixes aren't a thing. Real political power takes time and creative persistence.
Instead of rigid plans, focus on building the resources and relationships that help you navigate unexpected challenges and opportunities.
Three crucial elements of coalitions include: 1) independence from outside influences in decision-making, 2) deep commitment from members, and 3) enough flexibility to adapt when circumstances change.
Success comes through sharing leadership and building bridges across different groups.
We're already seeing this approach pay off. As one SHAC member put it, "We have unlearned biases we came in with and learned about each others' agendas." Another noted how their stronger relationships are creating "greater alignment" when they show up in public spaces.
Looking Ahead: The Power of Patient, Collective Work
The housing crisis can feel overwhelming, but here's what keeps us hopeful: when we take the time to build power thoughtfully and collectively, big changes become possible. We're excited to keep learning and sharing as this work unfolds throughout 2025.
This work is part of a larger conversation about housing justice and racial equity in California and beyond. Want to learn more about how we're applying these power-building lessons in practice? Check out our companion piece, Don't Turn Back the Clock: Building on Progress in Housing Justice, which explores concrete strategies for maintaining momentum on equitable housing solutions even in challenging times.
Stay tuned!