Preliminary Agenda Topics

The ADU market is maturing quickly, fueled by demographic shifts, regulatory reforms, housing undersupply, and capital market interest. New players—from institutional investors to mission-driven developers—are entering the space, creating both opportunity and growing pains. Understanding the macro forces and market fragmentation is essential for long-term positioning.

• What macroeconomic and demographic trends are creating tailwinds for ADU expansion?

• How are investor perceptions of ADUs evolving—especially among institutional capital providers?

• Which geographies show the most momentum for scalable ADU development, and why?

• What are the key drivers behind the surge in policy and legislative support for ADUs?

• How are long-term housing affordability challenges influencing ADU demand?

• What market misconceptions still exist around ADU profitability or scalability?

• What lessons can be drawn from early ADU investment and development models?

Regulation remains one of the biggest variables affecting ADU success. While some states and municipalities have taken bold steps to support ADU production, enforcement inconsistency and entrenched zoning codes continue to slow momentum. A nuanced understanding of policy wins and regulatory bottlenecks is critical for navigating local markets.

• Which state or municipal policy changes have had the greatest real-world impact on ADU production?

• How are local permitting practices diverging from state-level reforms?

• What approaches are working to reduce permitting times and inspection delays?

• How are code requirements—e.g., setbacks, parking, fire access—hindering or enabling ADU design?

• What are the most effective ways developers and operators are engaging with local policymakers?

• How are jurisdictions balancing the desire for density with stakeholder resistance?

• What policy interventions (e.g., fee waivers, pre-approved plans) have had measurable results?

As ADU development moves beyond one-off homeowner projects, financing strategies are evolving to support more complex deal structures, new ownership models, and repeatable portfolios. From creative debt products to institutional equity and impact capital, financing solutions must be tailored to the unique scale and risk profile of ADUs.

• How are capital stacks being structured across single-asset, scattered site, and portfolio-level ADU investments?

• What are common underwriting approaches for rent, maintenance, and vacancy assumptions?

• How are investors pricing risk in light of development, entitlement, and operational complexities?

• What’s working—and not working—in bringing institutional capital into the ADU space?

• How are mission-aligned capital sources (e.g., CDFIs, impact funds) supporting affordability-focused models?

• What financing tools are available to homeowners or small-scale developers at scale?

• How are capit

Cost-effective, replicable, and code-compliant design and construction are at the heart of scaling ADUs. Developers are exploring modular and prefab strategies, value-engineered floorplans, sustainable materials, and high-density site layouts—all while navigating permitting constraints and site-specific challenges.

• What design features are proving most effective in balancing space efficiency, livability, and code compliance?

• How are developers weighing modular vs. prefab vs. site-built strategies?

• What innovations are emerging in structural systems, foundation solutions, and unit configurations?

• How are teams managing the complexity of fitting ADUs into small or irregular lots?

• What are the key drivers of cost overruns—and how are they being mitigated?

• How are building departments responding to alternative construction and design models?

• What are the practical trade-offs between speed, quality, and customization in ADU builds?

While traditionally associated with single-family homes, ADUs are being integrated into multifamily projects and scattered site strategies. They’re used to increase NOI, add affordable units, and unlock underutilized land. Executing this at scale involves new operational, legal, and construction challenges.

• What are the financial and zoning advantages of incorporating ADUs into multifamily properties?

• How do lenders and appraisers view ADUs in the context of multifamily asset valuation?

• What operational challenges arise from scattered site ADU portfolios—and how are they addressed?

• How are developers acquiring and assembling ADU-friendly lots or infill sites?

• How do ownership and property management responsibilities change with ADUs on multifamily parcels?

• What permitting or legal complexities arise when combining ADUs with traditional multifamily zoning?

• How are investors assessing exit strategies and long-term returns in this hybrid asset class?

Technology is accelerating every stage of the ADU lifecycle—from site analysis and permitting to construction, leasing, and asset management. AI and automation are increasingly being used to reduce project friction, improve decision-making, and enable scale across fragmented markets.

• What role is AI playing in site selection, feasibility analysis, and regulatory compliance?

• How are digital platforms helping homeowners, developers, and cities navigate permitting?

• What are the most promising technologies in modular design and off-site construction workflows?

• How is software streamlining project management across multiple ADU sites?

• What are the limitations of current tech tools—and where is innovation most needed?

• How are technology vendors partnering with cities or regulators to streamline the ADU process?

• What is the long-term vision for tech-enabled ADU portfolios?

ADUs are increasingly being positioned as a key piece of the affordable housing puzzle, offering gentle density and lower-cost units without requiring large-scale displacement or rezoning. Community organizations and local governments are exploring ways to use ADUs to support housing equity, income stability, and multigenerational living.

• What role can ADUs realistically play in addressing housing affordability at scale?

• How are ADUs being deployed in partnership with nonprofit developers, land trusts, and housing authorities?

• What protections or program designs help prevent displacement and speculative abuse?

• How can affordability be preserved over time in ADU rental models?

• What are examples of community-based ADU models that have achieved measurable impact?

• How are ADUs supporting intergenerational and culturally specific housing needs?

• What kinds of subsidies or incentives are most effective in supporting equitable ADU development?

As ADU development matures into an investable asset class, operational excellence has become just as critical as construction quality. Owners and operators face unique challenges managing distributed portfolios of small units, often co-located with owner-occupied homes or integrated into existing multifamily assets. From maintenance logistics and tenant communications to insurance coverage and regulatory compliance, managing ADUs requires a hybrid approach that blends the best of single-family and multifamily operational models. With low margins for error and a patchwork of municipal rules, success depends on strategic property management, smart tools, and well-structured risk protocols.

• What are the most common operational pain points in ADU portfolios—and what proven solutions are emerging?

• How do management strategies differ between scattered-site ADUs and those co-located with multifamily or owner-occupied homes?

• How are insurance underwriters approaching ADUs, and what coverage gaps or pricing inconsistencies are most common?

• What risk mitigation strategies—including lease structures, house rules, and neighbor engagement—are most effective for small units in dense zones?

• How do maintenance workflows and lifecycle costs compare across detached ADUs, garage conversions, and junior units?

• What tools and platforms are operators using to streamline tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions?

• What internal capacity or partnerships are required to manage ADUs at scale without compromising tenant experience or asset performance?

City governments are under pressure to deliver housing, enforce evolving codes, and balance political realities with practical constraints. As ADUs become a central strategy in local housing plans, developers and operators must understand the internal logic of city decision-making—beyond just zoning code compliance. From permitting workflows to enforcement discretion, and from SB 9 interpretations to short-term rental regulation, municipal officials are shaping the ADU landscape in ways both direct and subtle. Aligning with local priorities and avoiding preventable missteps can mean the difference between project momentum and months of delay.

• What internal bottlenecks—staffing, interdepartmental coordination, or technology—most commonly delay ADU approvals?

• How are different cities interpreting and implementing state-level reforms like SB 9, and what does that mean for ADU strategy?

• What types of ADU projects are most likely to receive pushback, and why?

• How are cities approaching the balance between ADU proliferation and short-term rental restrictions?

• What are the key planning or zoning code issues that experienced developers still routinely misread or overlook?

• In what ways are cities incentivizing ADU development (e.g., density bonuses, impact fee waivers, pre-approved plans), and how widely are these tools being used?

• How should developers frame their projects when seeking alignment with local affordable housing goals or community development objectives?

As ADU development scales across the U.S., successful implementation often hinges not only on policy frameworks, but also on the ability of developers to build trust and credibility with local governments. From small cities navigating their first wave of ADU interest to large jurisdictions grappling with housing mandates and political pushback, each municipality brings a unique mix of constraints, priorities, and personalities. In this conversation, experienced ADU developers will share real-world case studies of how they’ve navigated municipal dynamics—from early engagement with planning staff and housing departments to high-stakes negotiations with city councils and neighborhood stakeholders. The discussion will surface practical approaches to addressing municipal concerns around infrastructure, speculation, tenant protections, and neighborhood character, while advancing scalable ADU models that align with local goals.

• What engagement strategies have proven most effective when approaching municipalities with ADU development proposals?

• How can developers proactively address local concerns around infrastructure capacity, parking, short-term rentals, or neighborhood change?

• What role does education and data-sharing play in shifting municipal perspectives on ADUs as part of a broader housing solution?

• How have developers successfully navigated resistance from local council members or politically active neighborhood groups?

• What are the most common misunderstandings cities have about ADUs, and how can developers clarify or reframe these issues?

• In what ways can developers advocate for municipal incentives, streamlined permitting, or flexible code interpretations to enable ADU production?

• How can long-term collaboration between developers and city staff help institutionalize ADUs within broader housing or climate strategies?

Behind the surge in ADU-friendly legislation across the country is a dedicated network of advocates, organizers, and coalition builders working to shift public sentiment, influence local and state legislation, and cultivate trust with key stakeholders. From crafting model ordinances to educating homeowners and engaging skeptical council members, successful advocacy efforts require deep knowledge of both policy mechanics and political dynamics. This session explores the strategies, narratives, and partnerships that are fueling ADU growth—and how industry professionals can support and align with these efforts to accelerate adoption.

• What advocacy strategies have proven most effective in advancing ADU-enabling policies at the state and municipal levels?

• How are coalitions of developers, community groups, and housing advocates working together—and where do their goals sometimes diverge?

• What messaging has been most successful in overcoming neighborhood resistance and political hesitancy toward ADUs?

• How are organizers leveraging homeowner education and storytelling to build grassroots support for ADU expansion?

• What role do data, pilot projects, or case studies play in persuading policymakers and local agencies?

• How are ADU advocates addressing concerns around displacement, speculation, and community character in sensitive markets?

• What opportunities exist for private-sector ADU stakeholders to participate in or support ongoing advocacy efforts—without overstepping?

As ADUs gain traction as a scalable housing solution, state and local governments across the U.S. are increasingly adopting legislation to legalize, streamline, or incentivize their development. From California’s broad deregulation to Oregon’s equity-driven reforms and New York’s pending statewide legislation, jurisdictions are actively experimenting with zoning preemptions, permit streamlining, density bonuses, and financing incentives. For practitioners working across markets—or aiming to bring ADUs into restrictive environments—understanding the legal frameworks, coalition-building strategies, and successful precedents is essential. This session explores the evolving policy landscape, the models gaining traction, and how lessons from early-adopting states can be used to shape future legislation elsewhere.

• What are the most impactful ADU laws passed or under consideration across the U.S., and how do their approaches differ?

• How has California’s ADU policy evolution shaped policy adoption in other states or cities?

• Which political and stakeholder coalitions have proven most effective in advancing ADU-friendly legislation?

• How can developers and investors use successful precedents from other markets to advocate for ADU-enabling laws in restrictive jurisdictions?

• What specific legal language or zoning strategies are proving most transferable across jurisdictions?

• Where do we see pushback—politically or administratively—and how are those challenges being navigated?

• What role can national organizations, trade groups, or housing coalitions play in driving aligned ADU policy at scale?

As ADU construction increases nationwide, developers are encountering new complexities tied to evolving energy codes at the state and local levels. These codes—covering everything from insulation and air sealing to solar readiness and electrification—can significantly impact design decisions, construction costs, and project timelines. In California and other progressive jurisdictions, Title 24 and similar mandates are reshaping how ADUs are conceived and built. The challenge is balancing compliance with efficiency while ensuring affordability and scalability for both urban infill and backyard units. This discussion will examine how developers are navigating regulatory friction, applying high-performance building practices, and leveraging new technologies to meet energy goals without undermining project viability.

• What are the biggest challenges ADU developers face in meeting local and state energy code requirements?

• How do Title 24 mandates in California affect ADU costs, especially for small lots and existing structures?

• Are there exemptions or streamlined pathways for ADUs under energy codes, and how are they applied in practice?

• How do requirements for solar, all-electric design, and building envelope performance impact design choices?

• What role can prefab/modular construction play in meeting strict energy standards cost-effectively?

• How are jurisdictions balancing energy efficiency with affordability goals in their ADU policies?

• What innovations or best practices are emerging for energy-efficient, code-compliant ADU builds?

While demand for ADUs remains strong, the broader macroeconomic landscape is creating new headwinds for developers and builders. Fluctuations in interest rates, shifting monetary policy, and evolving trade dynamics—such as new or reinstated tariffs on key construction materials—are impacting project feasibility, especially for cost-sensitive or scalable ADU models. The ripple effects of global supply chain disruptions, rising labor costs, and uncertainty around U.S. industrial and trade policy are forcing ADU stakeholders to rethink procurement, construction methods, and financing strategies. This discussion will analyze how macroeconomic volatility is shaping the current and future state of the ADU ecosystem.

• How are recent or anticipated changes to U.S. tariff policy—particularly on steel, aluminum, and modular components—affecting ADU construction costs?

• What adjustments are developers making in procurement strategies or materials sourcing to mitigate macroeconomic pressure?

• How are higher interest rates and tighter credit markets influencing ADU project financing and homeowner decision-making?

• What effect is inflation having on cost-per-square-foot pricing for stick-built versus prefab ADUs?

• Are ADU developers shifting production models or geographic focus in response to broader economic trends?

• How are local governments and utilities responding to the affordability challenges that these macro trends exacerbate?

• In what ways might federal infrastructure or housing policy intersect with macroeconomic conditions to support or hinder ADU growth?

ADUs are playing an increasingly critical role in advancing infill development across U.S. cities, particularly as housing demand intensifies in already urbanized areas. Their small footprint, regulatory momentum, and siting flexibility make them a strategic solution for densifying existing parcels—whether single-family or multifamily—without relying on new land acquisition. This conversation explores how ADUs are supporting infill goals, how developers and operators are leveraging them on multifamily lots, and what policy evolutions are needed to make ADU-based infill more predictable and scalable across varied urban contexts.

• How are ADUs being incorporated into infill strategies on multifamily-zoned parcels, and what development models are gaining traction?

• In what ways are cities revisiting parking, height, and lot coverage rules to support more robust ADU deployment as part of infill?

• What are the best practices for identifying high-opportunity infill sites for ADUs across different housing types and neighborhood contexts?

• How can ADUs complement broader transit-oriented development and sustainable land use goals in major metros?

• What infrastructure, utility, or site access challenges tend to emerge with infill-oriented ADUs, and how are they being addressed?

• How are developers and property managers balancing the operational complexity of integrating ADUs into existing multifamily assets?

• What financing or public-private partnership mechanisms could expand ADU production in high-need infill areas?

As ADU-focused developers and operators expand beyond single markets, they must navigate the patchwork of zoning codes, permitting timelines, and design constraints that differ dramatically from city to city. Establishing repeatable systems—while maintaining local adaptability—is critical to operational efficiency and portfolio growth. This conversation will explore how firms are approaching interjurisdictional scaling, from standardizing product and process to building the internal capacity and local partnerships needed to execute consistently in disparate regulatory environments. Attendees will gain insight into how seasoned teams are addressing regulatory friction, managing compliance risk, and leveraging experience across markets to optimize growth.

• What strategies are being used to standardize ADU development workflows across jurisdictions with differing permitting and zoning requirements?

• How are teams structuring internal roles (e.g., entitlement specialists, regional leads, compliance officers) to manage complexity across cities or states?

• What tools, platforms, or consultants are proving essential to scale while staying compliant?

• How do firms balance the efficiencies of product standardization (e.g., prefab models, architectural templates) with the need to localize for specific code requirements?

• What are the biggest regulatory or cost hurdles in cross-market expansion, and how are top operators overcoming them?

• Are there particular jurisdictions that serve as reliable “starting points” for scale—and which ones are seen as high-friction or low-priority?

• How are teams building institutional knowledge to reduce ramp-up time in new cities, and what KPIs are used to measure successful market entry?

As cities seek to direct growth toward areas with existing infrastructure and transit access, ADUs are emerging as a nimble and scalable tool to add housing in precisely the right places. Transit-oriented infill—especially within designated opportunity zones—can maximize affordability, reduce car dependency, and increase access to jobs and services. This discussion explores how ADUs fit into the fabric of high-opportunity neighborhoods and transit corridors, what local and federal incentives can be layered to support their development, and how public agencies and private developers are aligning ADU strategies with broader mobility, equity, and sustainability goals.

• How are cities using ADUs to catalyze housing development in transit-served neighborhoods without triggering displacement?

• What role can ADUs play in helping Opportunity Zones meet both their housing and economic development mandates?

• How are developers mapping and targeting parcels near transit hubs for ADU deployment, and what criteria guide site selection?

• What financing or incentive programs—such as tax credits or density bonuses—are being applied to encourage ADU development in these areas?

• What are the most common zoning or code constraints around transit corridors that still limit ADU adoption, and how are cities responding?

• How can ADUs be integrated into broader community development efforts in historically underinvested neighborhoods?

• What coordination is required between transportation planners, housing departments, and private sector ADU developers to align goals in transit- and opportunity-rich zones?

As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe—from wildfires in California and Hawaii to hurricanes and floods across the Gulf Coast—ADUs are emerging as a flexible, incremental tool for post-disaster housing recovery. In regions where full-scale rebuilding may be delayed or financially inaccessible, ADUs offer a path to restore housing quickly, especially for homeowners seeking to remain on-site during recovery. However, existing zoning and permitting structures often prevent ADUs from being built prior to the primary dwelling, even in devastated areas. In jurisdictions like Los Angeles, the sequencing of ADU versus primary construction has become a barrier, despite the potential for ADUs to accelerate community stabilization. This session will explore the intersection of ADU policy and disaster recovery, including evolving legislation aimed at addressing these constraints, such as proposals to freeze code updates post-disaster and allow ADUs to serve as first-step rebuilds.

• What is the current role of ADUs in disaster-affected regions like Maui or fire-prone areas of California, and how are local governments responding?

• How do current zoning and permitting rules restrict or enable the use of ADUs in post-disaster recovery scenarios?

• What are the legal and policy barriers to allowing ADUs to be built before primary residences, and how might those be addressed?

• How can ADUs support phased, site-based recovery efforts for homeowners and renters who lack the capital to rebuild fully upfront?

• What are local agencies’ concerns around speculation and long-term occupancy, and how can recovery-focused ADU programs be structured to address them?

• What state or local legislation is being proposed or passed to facilitate ADUs in recovery zones, and what implications might this have for future disasters?

• How can developers, insurers, and housing advocates work together to embed ADUs into disaster preparedness and resilience planning?

As California has streamlined and expanded its ADU regulations, adjacent housing types—particularly tiny homes on wheels—have sought inclusion under the ADU umbrella. While both share affordability, size, and infill potential, the legal, financial, and operational distinctions are material. ADUs are typically considered real property, subject to local building codes and eligible for traditional financing and appraisal methods. Tiny homes on wheels, often classified as RVs or personal property, fall under an entirely different regulatory regime. For institutional actors, funders, and city agencies, conflating the two creates risk and ambiguity. This session clarifies where the line is drawn—and how this impacts entitlement, valuation, utility connections, and long-term investment strategy.

• What are the key regulatory distinctions between ADUs and tiny homes on wheels, and how are these currently being interpreted by municipalities across California?

• Why is the classification of real property vs. personal property so critical for financing, permitting, and long-term ownership?

• How have some cities blurred the lines between ADUs and tiny homes, and what are the consequences of this ambiguity for developers and investors?

• Are there credible pathways for tiny homes on wheels to be reclassified as ADUs under current or proposed policy frameworks?

• How do construction typologies (e.g., prefab vs. stick-built) intersect with these legal classifications?

• What are the challenges around utility hookups, foundations, and insurance when dealing with tiny homes on wheels versus ADUs?

• Should tiny homes have a separate policy track, financing model, or market segment distinct from ADUs—and what would that look like in practice?

As ADUs proliferate in urban and suburban neighborhoods, owner-occupied rentals are emerging as a vital housing model—particularly for homeowners seeking supplemental income or multigenerational living options. But these arrangements come with unique complexities. From managing privacy expectations in shared spaces to designing enforceable lease terms and house rules, both owners and tenants are navigating new ground. Local regulations sometimes add layers of compliance or limitations, while tenant selection, dispute resolution, and expectations around maintenance and access rights require thoughtful structuring. This topic explores the evolving best practices in operating owner-occupied ADU rentals for sustainability, livability, and mutual respect.

• What lease structures are proving most effective for owner-occupied ADUs—month-to-month, fixed-term, or hybrid models?

• How are homeowners balancing shared access (e.g., driveways, backyards, laundry) with tenant privacy rights?

• What kinds of house rules (e.g., guest policies, quiet hours, pet restrictions) are commonly implemented—and how are they being enforced?

• How do owners and tenants navigate power dynamics and interpersonal boundaries in close-proximity living situations?

• Are there design strategies that help mitigate friction in shared environments?

• How are local ordinances or rent control rules shaping how owner-occupied ADUs are managed?

• What lessons can be drawn from long-term versus short-term tenants in owner-occupied ADUs, particularly in terms of conflict resolution and tenant retention?

What sets one ADU apart from another? What are some of the design strategies that can make such a small space feel larger? How can multi-functional furniture be used to maximize space usage, and what does that actually look like? What kind of fixtures and finishes can be used to make an ADU premium and command a higher price? What kind of technology can be incorporated to make an ADU a smart home? How are designers and builders incorporating more sustainable materials and features in their ADUs? During this series of virtual reality tours, designers and builders will have the chance to take the audience inside their ADUs and show off what makes them unique.

San Diego has emerged as one of the most forward-leaning cities in California on ADUs, with multiple pro-housing ordinances that build on state laws to streamline entitlements and incentivize development. Yet implementation challenges persist, especially around interpretation at the departmental level, long review timelines, and community pushback in lower-density enclaves.

• How are San Diego's bonus ADU programs influencing density and deal economics?

• What are the most common pain points in the permitting process today?

• How have city staff and planning commission attitudes evolved toward ADU infill?

• What’s the outlook for state-local coordination on future code updates?

• How are developers navigating parking waivers and height limits in practice?

L.A. remains a national bellwether for ADU adoption, but faces complexity due to overlapping state and local requirements, zoning overlays, and neighborhood resistance. The city is also exploring ADUs as a central plank in its affordable housing strategy, prompting nuanced debates about prioritization, equity, and enforcement.

• What are the practical limitations developers face under LA’s new zoning codes?

• How does the interplay between SB 9 and ADUs impact site feasibility?

• What creative strategies are working to address community pushback?

• Where are regulatory inconsistencies most likely to delay entitlements?

• What is the city doing to enable pre-approved plans and streamline ADU financing?

Despite progressive housing policies, the Bay Area presents some of the nation’s most challenging entitlement environments due to layered jurisdictional review, strict design standards, and high costs. Cities like Oakland, San Jose, and Berkeley each interpret and implement ADU allowances differently, making regional expertise critical.

• What distinguishes ADU processing in San Francisco versus neighboring cities?

• How are developers overcoming local design constraints and historic preservation overlays?

• How might San Francisco’s current proposal to allow ADUs to be sold as condos move the needle?

• Are ADUs delivering affordability in practice, or only in theory?

• How are municipalities dealing with short-term rental pressures in ADUs?

• What are the capital stack realities of ADU development in high-cost markets?

Seattle has implemented some of the most aggressive local incentives for ADUs, particularly detached units, including FAR exemptions, pre-approved plans, and allowances for two ADUs per lot. The city is also experimenting with rezoning through its “One Seattle” comprehensive plan, which could reshape ADU feasibility over the next decade.

• What impacts are we seeing from FAR exemptions and dual-ADU allowances?

• How are lenders and appraisers adjusting to Seattle’s evolving typologies?

• What pre-development best practices are helping mitigate approval risk?

• How are community groups responding to recent upzoning measures?

• What innovations in prefab or modular construction are taking hold locally?

Portland was an early leader in relaxing ADU regulations, eliminating parking and owner-occupancy requirements before most. The city’s experience offers valuable insight into long-term trends in permitting volume, NIMBYism, and financing for smaller-scale developers.

• How has the city’s long history with ADUs influenced today’s development climate?

• What trends are emerging in how ADUs are used (rental, family, STRs)?

• What have been the unintended consequences of Portland’s lenient ADU policies?

• How is the city adapting its rules in response to housing shortages and climate priorities?

• How do local utility connection and infrastructure costs affect project feasibility?

Denver has been steadily moving toward more inclusive zoning that accommodates ADUs across more neighborhoods. However, significant gaps remain in neighborhood buy-in, access to capital, and clarity around enforcement. A citywide rezoning effort is underway, and its outcomes could be pivotal.

• How are Denver’s pilot ADU programs informing future zoning updates?

• What are the main sticking points in neighborhood resistance to ADUs?

• What creative solutions are developers using to address alley access and lot constraints?

• How are local officials measuring success and outcomes from ADU investments?

• Are there emerging public-private partnerships around financing or modular builds?

Phoenix recently passed a citywide ordinance allowing ADUs in single-family zones, a landmark shift in a region that has traditionally prioritized low-density sprawl. Developers are just beginning to interpret and work with the new code, making it a hotbed for innovation and experimentation.

• What are the immediate development and investment opportunities post-ordinance?

• How are local planners balancing water use, infrastructure, and climate in ADU policy?

• What’s the status of resistance from HOAs and neighborhood groups?

• How does Phoenix’s ADU trajectory compare to other Southwestern cities?

• What role could ADUs play in addressing workforce housing or aging in place?

Austin supports ADUs through favorable policies and an active pro-housing civic environment, but persistent issues with permitting timelines, utility hook-ups, and NIMBY opposition remain. As the city revises its land development code, ADUs are expected to be a central point of debate.

• What updates to Austin’s land development code will impact ADU feasibility?

• How are developers coping with infrastructure capacity limits and utility delays?

• What innovations are emerging in response to Austin’s topography and lot constraints?

• How has the city's affordability crisis shifted public sentiment around ADUs?

• Are there model templates from Austin’s policy successes that could be replicated elsewhere?