Casita Coalition: Expanding the Path to Homeownership
As California’s housing affordability crisis continues to put homeownership out of reach for many families, Casita Coalition is helping communities unlock a new generation of attainable homes—one neighborhood at a time.
The nonprofit leads a national movement to expand “middle housing”—homes such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, townhomes, and other neighborhood-scale housing options that create more attainable places to live while fitting naturally into existing communities.
Denise Pinkston, Founder and Chair Emerita of Casita Coalition, helped author the landmark California legislation that took effect in 2017 and transformed access to accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Building on that foundation, Casita Coalition has played a pivotal role in turning housing policy into real housing opportunities. More than 176,000 ADUs have been permitted across California since 2017—one of the most significant increases of a new housing type in the state’s history. Today, more than 60% serve as long-term rentals, helping homeowners generate income, remain in their communities, support multigenerational living, and age in place while expanding more attainable housing options for renters.
“We built our ADU for our father who had had a stroke, and we needed a safe way to get him home and get him the care he needed. Now he has an independent space he can call his own, but he still has the freedom to come and engage with the family whenever he needs. It’s given him a great sense of pride and allowed him to age gracefully.”
– Bobby A., East Bay
Casita Coalition doesn’t stop at policy—it makes sure policy works. The organization works alongside cities, housing professionals, nonprofits, and homeowners to ensure new laws are successfully implemented—turning policy into homes people can actually build, buy, and live in. Current efforts include expanding homeownership opportunities through ADU condominium conversions and helping communities remove barriers that slow housing production.
“There is tremendous momentum behind this movement. What began in California has expanded to 11 states with statewide ADU legislation, and communities are learning from one another instead of starting from scratch. By sharing data, best practices, and proven solutions, we can undo many of the barriers that have made housing so restrictive and create more attainable homes for generations to come.”
— Noerena Limón, CEO of Casita Coalition
Through its partnership with Sobrato Philanthropies, Casita Coalition is expanding the reach of Casita Academy, its education initiative, while building on its leadership in housing policy implementation. By sharing best practices and helping cities, nonprofits, housing professionals, and homeowners navigate new housing laws, the organization is turning legislation into more attainable housing opportunities across California.