CLIENT NEWS:
Alameda County Housing and Community Development is pioneering a first-of-its-kind approach to affordable housing through its SHIFT pilot program, streamlining development with pre-approved, scalable designs for infill sites. “We’re trying to build affordable housing more affordably, and so we’re trying to do a bunch of different things at once to figure out where we can save the most money,” said Dylan Sweeney, the program and policy manager for Alameda County Housing and Community Development Agency. By eliminating costly regulatory barriers, SHIFT enables faster delivery of high-quality affordable housing while better aligning public resources with on-the-ground construction. “If we’re not able to leverage the advantages of the government to produce housing more cheaply, we’re missing out on opportunities.” Read more in the Mercury News
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The Creative Catalyst Fellowship from the Asian American Pacific Islander Civic Engagement Fund supports independent artists in using creative expression to engage the public on critical issues impacting AAPI communities. Artist and researcher Sargylana Cherepanova uses video games as an immersive medium to explore themes of belonging, isolation, and identity shaped by her experience as an Indigenous immigrant. Her latest game, developed with fellowship support, translates the existential distance of being far from home into an interactive experience that invites reflection and conversation. Check out more on Instagram at @wabenews and @wabeatl.
Earlier this week, our CEO, Bilen Mesfin Packwood, attended the 5th anniversary celebration of the Black Freedom Fund and it was an inspiring reminder of just how far this work has come. What began in 2020 as a series of early conversations about launching a $100 million fund to support Black power building California has grown into a powerful, independent institution – the first Black community foundation in the state. It is truly beautiful to witness the impact of years of commitment, collaboration, and belief in what’s possible.
In case you missed it:
- Check out what we’re reading at Change Consulting: Narrative Power Today for a Radical Tomorrow – is a co-created, organizer-built guide to shaping belief for transformative change. Every movement fights on the terrain of story. Which narrative will you carry forward, and which will you challenge?
- Dive into Georgia Offers a Lesson in What Black Voter Power Really Means, an op-ed by Alexsis Rodgers, political director for the Black to the Future Action Fund, discussing the impact of engaging Georgia voters on issues that shape daily life from utility rates to the rising cost of living.
- Capital & Main published a feature article last week Holiday Shopping Boycott Fights Trump With the Power of the Purse about We Are California’s extension of the We Ain’t Buying It campaign throughout the holiday season.
- Check out the full op-ed series, Overcoming Roadblocks to Multiracial Democracy, from our partners Black Futures Lab and Black to the Future Action Fund on NextCity.
CHANGE NEWS:
This year may have been messy and unpredictable, but music was a constant companion, keeping us motivated, connected, and inspired through every moment. From late-night vibes to morning pick-me-ups and shared playlists that brought the team together, the songs of 2025 carried us through it all. Check out Change Consulting’s 2025 Rewind: Tunes That Got Us Through to read more about the stories behind our soundtrack, and listen on Spotify and experience the songs that defined our year.
Last week, our Founder and CEO, Bilen Mesfin Packwood, and Chief of Staff, Layla Crater, had the honor of attending Public Relations Society of America San Francisco Bay Area Chapter’s 7th Annual Foggies Awards Holiday Mixer. Celebrating the best PR pros, agencies, and campaigns in the Bay Area, this year’s Foggies highlighted creativity and innovation across social media, media relations, and more. Change Consulting is beyond honored to have been named Small Agency of the Year! Huge congratulations to all the winners. Your work inspires us every day.