The Engage Breakfast on May 1 will highlight the issue of housing in Central Texas.
Frank Fernandez, executive director of Green Doors—a nonprofit housing organization aiming to prevent and end homelessness, said one of the biggest housing issues facing the region is affordability.
"Through a large degree, we're a victim of our own success," Fernandez said. "... I think it's about supply and demand. We have a lot of people moving here in the upper and middle class, and that's putting pressure on the housing market."
Fernandez said he thinks that even with the construction that's taking place on both new homes and apartments, it won't bring enough inventory to keep up with the growing demand.
The panel that will engage in the discussion is set to include Pete Dwyer, president of Dwyer Realty Companies; Fernandez; and Paul Hilgers, president of the Austin Board of Realtors. Moderating the panel will be KXAN-TV anchor Leslie Rhode.
The Engage Breakfast is organized by Leadership Austin, a nonprofit focused on building community leadership.
The breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. and will be held in the Kodosky Lounge at The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive. Tickets to the breakfast cost $25 with a discounted price available for Leadership Austin Alumni Association members.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.leadershipaustin.org/programs/engage/upcoming.