His talk will challenge common misconceptions and offer actionable insights for addressing homelessness in cities like San Luis Obispo.
Many people believe homelessness is driven by personal issues such as mental illness, substance abuse, or joblessness. While these factors can contribute, Colburn’s research reveals that they do not explain why some cities have significantly higher homelessness rates than others. Instead, housing affordability and availability are the primary determinants. His data compares cities with varying levels of homelessness and finds that tight rental markets with high housing costs consistently produce higher levels of homelessness. He highlights that policy interventions focused on housing stability are the most effective in reducing homelessness long-term.
Colburn’s research has direct implications for the Central Coast, where rising rents and limited affordable housing are increasing homelessness rates. His talk will explore:
How local zoning and development policies can be adapted to increase housing supply.
The role of public and private partnerships in funding affordable housing.
Why evidence-based solutions must guide policy decisions rather than reactive, short-term fixes.
