We had the chance to connect with Melanie Steele, Executive Director of the Inland SoCal Housing Collective, to learn more about her leadership in advancing equitable housing solutions in the Inland Empire—including her recent efforts around California Senate Bill 4 (SB 4). This important legislation streamlines approval for affordable housing construction on land owned by faith-based institutions and nonprofit colleges, unlocking critical opportunities to build deeply affordable homes in historically underserved communities.
Melanie’s work aligns closely with the Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being framework, particularly in multisolving across Humane Housing and Belonging & Civic Muscle. Her advocacy reflects the kind of cross-sector leadership our IE Vital Conditions Network aims to uplift and support across the region.