Advancing Belonging: The Business of Inclusive Multi-Family Housing

On September 17, 2026, AC Martin’s Inclusive Design Committee held a panel event Advancing Belonging: The Business of Inclusive Multi-Family Housing, bringing housing leaders together at our downtown Los Angeles office.

Moderated by AC Martin’s Fatemeh Kazemi, the panel featured John Mimms of The Michaels Organization, Jessica Murphy of Trammell Crow Company, Sidney Stone of the Cesar Chavez Foundation, and Abbey Ehman of Power Move LA. Their perspectives spanned affordable and market-rate housing, but they shared a central point: inclusive design starts with understanding who will live in a community and how their needs may change over time.

The discussion moved from broad goals to practical choices. Panelists considered how unit layouts, storage, gathering spaces, accessibility, and connections to the surrounding neighborhood can support residents of different ages, abilities, and household types. They also explored how feedback from residents and property managers can inform future projects.

Cost was a recurring theme. The panel discussed balancing construction budgets and housing affordability with long-term livability. Examples ranged from adding useful bathroom storage to planning a community room that could serve both residents and neighbors—reminders that thoughtful decisions at every scale can make a difference.

We are grateful for our panelists and everyone who joined us for this conversation about making belonging part of the housing design process.

Following is a recording of the virtual event: