Shane Phillips is an urban planner and policy expert, currently leading the UCLA Lewis Center Housing Initiative and teaching public policy as an adjunct instructor at USC. Phillips previously served as director of public policy for Central City Association, a Downtown LA business advocacy organization. He writes a popular blog on housing and transportation issues, Better Institutions.

US cities are struggling to address the twin crises of high housing costs and household instability. Debates over the appropriate course of action have been defined by two poles: building more housing or enacting stronger tenant protections. In his new book, The Affordable City, Phillips argues against this false dichotomy and offers tools for professionals seeking to improve affordability and increase community resilience through local action.

This Stardust Center event is in partnership with Island Press, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that shines a spotlight on crucial issues and focuses attention on sustainable solutions. Purchase the book from the locally owned Changing Hands Bookstore.

Moderated by ASU urban planner and sustainability scientist Deirdre Pfeiffer.