As Arizona continues to grapple with housing affordability and a growing demand for homes, leaders from industry, government and education will come together for an important community conversation at Rio Salado College.
In partnership with the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, Rio Salado will host “Innovating the Future of Affordable Housing,” a public panel discussion on Thursday, April 30, from 8:30–10:30 a.m. at the college’s Conference Center in Tempe.
The event will bring together experts from construction, emerging housing technologies, local government and higher education to discuss how innovation and a stronger workforce pipeline can help address Arizona’s housing challenges.
A Growing Challenge for Arizona
Housing affordability has become one of the most pressing issues facing Arizona communities. While developers remain optimistic about the Phoenix housing market in 2025, some industry leaders caution that meaningful relief may not come for several years as demand continues to outpace supply.
The shortage affects nearly every trade, from carpentry and concrete work to plumbing and electrical.
Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort between industry, education and public partners to attract new talent into construction careers and provide the training needed for long-term success.
Innovation in Construction
At the same time, new technologies are beginning to reshape how homes are built.
One of the developments is 3D-printed construction, an emerging approach designed to reduce build time and potentially lower costs. Alquist 3D, founded in 2020, is among the companies exploring how additive manufacturing can help address housing shortages.
Using specialized concrete printing technology, homes can be built faster than traditional methods. Concrete used for 3D construction must be fluid enough to print, strong enough to hold its shape, and fast-curing enough to allow layering. Because environmental conditions vary widely, mixes that perform well in Arizona’s desert heat may behave very differently in humid or colder regions.
To overcome these hurdles, Alquist is working with universities, private industry and local governments to develop climate-specific, recyclable concrete blends that could eventually reduce costs while increasing durability and sustainability.
Equally important is workforce development. Alquist is partnering with colleges, including Rio Salado, to create curriculum designed to train the next generation of builders who understand these emerging technologies.
Industry Leadership and Innovation
The panel will also feature insights from Sundt Construction, one of the nation’s largest construction firms. Sundt has been investing in new technologies and innovative practices designed to improve efficiency, safety and sustainability across the construction industry.
These types of innovations— combined with strong workforce training programs— are increasingly seen as key components in addressing the housing shortage while maintaining quality and safety standards.
Bringing the Community Together
The event will feature a moderated conversation with leaders from across the housing and construction ecosystem:
Panelists include:
- Mayor Corey Woods, City of Tempe
- Zachary Mannheimer, Founder, Alquist 3D
- Eric Cylwik, Director of Innovation, Sundt Construction
- Ken Wilk, Faculty, Applied Tech and Engineering, Rio Salado College
The discussion will be moderated by Camryn Sanchez, Senior Field Correspondent for KJZZ.
The program will begin with light breakfast and networking at 8:30 a.m., followed by a one-hour moderated conversation from 9–10 a.m., and an audience Q&A session from 10–10:30 a.m.
Event Details
Building the Future: Innovation, Workforce and Housing Affordability
📍 Rio Salado College Conference Center, 2323 W. 14th St., Tempe, 85281.
📅 Thursday, April 30, 2026
⏰ 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Agenda:
- 8:30–9:00 a.m. — Breakfast and networking
- 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Moderated panel discussion
- 10:00–10:30 a.m. — Audience Q&A
The event is open to the community, and attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with leaders shaping the future of housing and construction in Arizona.