Cooper Housing Institute Founder Will Cooper Jr. Joins U.S. Conference of Mayors Housing Leaders as Mayors Back Bipartisan Housing Legislation

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IRVINE, Calif. (June 15, 2026) - Will Cooper Jr., President and CEO of WNC & Associates and President of the Cooper Housing Institute (CHI), joined mayors and housing leaders from across the country during a Community Development and Housing Committee session at the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) 94th Annual Meeting in Long Beach, California, this month to discuss solutions to the nation's housing affordability, housing supply, and homelessness challenges.

Cooper was invited to participate as mayors worked to shape the Conference's 2026 housing advocacy agenda, including support for bipartisan federal housing legislation. During the Annual Meeting, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who was elected President of USCM, called on mayors to use their collective voice to press Washington for action on housing, saying, "If housing is the defining challenge of this moment, then mayors must become the nation's leading housing advocates."

Mayor Gloria also identified the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act as a top priority, saying the Conference would put its full weight behind the bill this year.

The Community Development and Housing Committee adopted a resolution urging Congress to reconcile House and Senate housing proposals and promptly pass bipartisan legislation to unlock more affordable housing for hard-working American families. Cooper underscored the importance of that federal action, noting that the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents an opportunity to modernize housing policy, support local communities, reduce barriers to development and expand access to safe, affordable homes.

"Mayors are on the front lines of the housing crisis, and their leadership is essential to turning local experience into national action," said Cooper. "Housing affordability begins with housing availability, and meaningful progress will require collaboration among leaders, developers, policymakers and community organizations."

Cooper also highlighted the growing impact of Beyond the Bridge, the acclaimed documentary supported by CHI that explores the root causes of homelessness and effective strategies for addressing the crisis. He shared how screenings are helping communities bring together local leaders, service providers, residents and policymakers to foster productive conversations and identify practical solutions. Following Cooper's remarks, Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii highlighted a recent screening in her community and encouraged fellow mayors to consider hosting screenings in their own cities.

"One of the most powerful things we've seen through Beyond the Bridge is the ability of storytelling to bring communities together around a common challenge," Cooper said. "When people better understand the causes of homelessness and the housing issues that contribute to it, they're more prepared to support meaningful solutions. That's why these community conversations matter."

About Cooper Housing Institute The Cooper Housing Institute (CHI) is a private foundation that supports innovative research, public awareness initiatives, and community organizations with the sole objective of ending the housing affordability and homelessness crises in the U.S. CHI was founded by the Cooper family, owners of WNC & Associates, Inc., a national leader in affordable rental housing investment and development. To learn more about CHI and screenings of Beyond the Bridge, visit: https://cooperhousinginstitute.org/2026-u-s-conference-of-mayors/.