What You’ll Learn: 

• Supply and Demand in East Bay Multifamily Market
  How are current supply and demand dynamics shaping the multifamily market in Alameda and Contra Costa counties? Are we seeing shifts in demand between urban and suburban areas, and how is this impacting rental rates and development patterns?
• Affordable Housing Distribution
  Where are the key opportunities for building affordable housing in Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, Alameda, San Leandro and surrounding cities? How can developers and policymakers ensure that affordable housing is equitably distributed across these areas to meet growing demand?
• Conversion vs. Ground-Up Development
  Are conversion projects — such as repurposing office or retail spaces — gaining traction in the East Bay multifamily market? How do the benefits and challenges of these projects compare to traditional ground-up developments in terms of cost, timelines and demand?
• Economic Volatility and Development Strategies
  With rising inflation and a higher cost of living, how are multifamily developers adapting their strategies to maintain profitability and deliver affordable yet high-quality housing? Are there any specific tactics being employed to cushion against economic uncertainty?
• Adapting to Changing Tenant Demands
  As resident and tenant preferences evolve, how are multifamily owners and developers responding to shifts in amenities, unit layouts and overall living experiences? Which of these changes might be permanent trends in the future of the East Bay’s multifamily market?
• Tenant Amenity Preferences
  What are the top amenities that tenants are increasingly prioritizing in multifamily developments? Are we seeing a greater demand for outdoor spaces, coworking areas or tech-enabled units, and how are developers responding to these shifts in demand?
• Navigating Capital Stack Challenges
  Given the financing challenges in the multifamily sector, how are developers and investors creatively constructing their capital stacks to overcome high construction costs and limited capital availability? Are they looking at new financing structures or alternative funding sources?
• Hotspots for Investment and Development
  Which areas in the East Bay  present the most attractive opportunities for multifamily investment and development in the current market? How are factors like proximity to transit, job centers and emerging neighborhoods influencing where capital is being deployed?
• Impact of Policy Changes and Local Zoning
  How are recent zoning changes and local policies affecting multifamily development in the East Bay? Are there any notable regulatory hurdles or incentives that developers should be aware of as they plan projects in Oakland, Berkeley or other key cities?
• Resilience of East Bay Multifamily Market What factors contribute to the East Bay’s resilience as a multifamily market, especially in light of the ongoing challenges posed by economic volatility? How are developers positioning themselves to weather both short-term and long-term disruptions in the housing market?