Pacifica, CA: Housing and the Financial Productivity of Pacifica

Productive conversations about the future of our cities depend on an honest understanding of the scale and origins of today’s challenges. Pacifica’s struggles are not unique, nor are they the result of any one decision or personality. They are systemic and widespread, shaped by long-standing development patterns that affect cities everywhere.

This has major implications for how we go about meeting the housing (and investment) needs of our residents.

This talk by Norm Van Eeden Petersman, Director of Membership for Strong Towns, offers a grounded look at these challenges and introduces a practical alternative to “big fix” thinking. Instead of silver bullets, it highlights the power of incremental adaptation and disciplined, long-term improvement.