Lisa De Jesus

President/CEO at ADU Gurus

Speaker

Lisa De Jesus is a recognized expert in land use, housing policy, and ADU development. As the owner of ADU Gurus™, she has spent years guiding property owners, industry professionals, and policymakers through the complex landscape of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), urban infill, and housing density regulations.

With over 25 years of experience in local government, planning, and housing policy, Lisa has a deep understanding of how state mandates shape local zoning, development opportunities, and the future of real estate. She is the Chair of the Planning Commission for the City of Vista and has served in various civic roles, including Planning Commissioner for the City of La Mesa (2000-2003) and Vista’s Mobile Home Review Board (2018-2023).

Lisa is a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering engaging presentations to real estate professionals, mortgage and title companies, and investor groups. Her topics range from the history of ADU legislation and local government implementation to the future of housing in California, including RHNA requirements, Housing Element policies, and zoning overlays that create new residential opportunities. She helps professionals stay ahead of market shifts by understanding where cities are planning to increase housing density and how to leverage that knowledge for investment and development opportunities.

Passionate about community empowerment, Lisa has been actively involved in local housing policy, serving on the Housing Opportunities Committee and Government Affairs Committee for the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS®, as well as the Government Affairs Committee for the Vista Chamber of Commerce.

A San Diego native, Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from San Diego State University and an Associate of Arts in Spanish from Grossmont College.

Lisa’s mission is to educate, inform, and empower real estate professionals with the knowledge they need to better serve their clients, adapt to policy changes, and seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving housing market.