NeighborWorks Orange County (NWOC) successfully hosted its first ADU Forum at the Garden Grove Courtyard Center, bringing together homeowners, developers, and community leaders to explore the latest trends and opportunities in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), plus a chance to tour an ADU model onsite. The event attracted close to 100 attendees, including team members from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), city official representatives, community partners and local leaders. This informative forum provided expert insights, networking opportunities, and practical advice on planning, financing, and building ADUs.
Helen O’Sullivan, CEO/President of NeighborWorks Orange County, kicked off the event by introducing NWOC’s programs and outlining the objectives of the forum. The first session, an ADU panel, featured industry experts such as Celeste Goyer from the Casita Coalition, RaShawna Fahie from NPHS, Chris Chung, AICP, Senior Planner from the City of Garden Grove, Gregg Candell from Studio Homes and Jeremy Peyton of Azure Printed Homes. The panel provided attendees with knowledge on ADU policies, development opportunities, and how ADUs can benefit communities by enhancing housing availability and promoting sustainability.
Following the panel, the lending session offered further insights into financing options for ADUs. This discussion featured Jennie Jacobson from Orange County’s Credit Union and Patricia Aguilar, Housing Program Officer at HUD. The session provided guidance on navigating financial avenues for building ADUs.
In addition to the expert panels, guests were also able to view an ADU model presented by Azure Printed Homes. Tours were conducted to showcase how ADUs can be integrated into residential properties. The Azure X180 Park Model on display, measuring 180 square feet and built on a 9×20-foot trailer with walk-up stairs, demonstrated an innovative approach to ADU construction. Made from recycled plastics, the model highlights eco-friendly and sustainable solutions. Its energy-efficient installation design and rapid 3D-printed structures further emphasized the possibilities for modern, efficient housing solutions.
The forum also welcomed a field representative from Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva’s office, Isabella Carbajal and Regional Public Affairs Officer, Andrew Ten of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Other participating organizations included, the Affordable Housing Clearinghouse, OC Community Housing Corporation, Kennedy Commission, and Jamboree Housing, who all played an active role in the discussions.
NeighborWorks Orange County would like to thank all the attendees, sponsors, and speakers who contributed to the success of this event. The ADU Forum reinforced NWOC’s commitment to driving innovative solutions for affordable housing and community development.
Photos from the event can be viewed in the event photo gallery here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TpQv2k1P83lfkIbsTggukiX_LgXvZRNv?usp=sharing