Building Opportunity Through Advocacy: A Conversation with 2026 Advocate of the year Heather Schiffman
Heather Schiffman on Expanding Homeownership and Strengthening Communities
For Heather Schiffman, creating homeownership opportunities is not just a job, but a passion. It's a commitment that has guided her career and continues to shape her work as the Chief Industry Advocacy Officer at the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® (CCAR). Driven by the belief that homeownership can transform lives, Heather has dedicated herself to expanding access to housing while strengthening the communities it supports.
"It’s an absolute honor to be recognized by EBLC for the job I love," she said.
With over 2 decades of political and public affairs experience in Contra Costa County, including 15 years serving as CCAR's Chief Industry Advocacy Officer, Heather has built a career at the intersection of housing policy, public affairs, and community advocacy. As CCAR's legislative liaison, she works closely with partner organizations, local governments, elected officials, and members of the business community to advance the organization’s advocacy and public policy priorities. Her ability to bring diverse stakeholders together around one of the region's most pressing issues is why she’s been named the Advocate of the Year at our 2026 Installation Awards.
Heather's path to advocacy began in public service, serving on the staff of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier during his tenure in both the California State Assembly and the California State Senate. There, she gained firsthand insight into how thoughtful public policy can shape stronger communities—an experience that laid the foundation for her work advancing housing solutions across Contra Costa County.
Today, Heather believes the greatest obstacle facing the real estate industry is clear: a shortage of housing and a growing affordability crisis. Across California, and particularly in the East Bay, housing demand continues to outpace supply, placing homeownership further out of reach for first-time buyers, working families, and many renters hoping to put down roots.
For Heather, the solution won't come from any one organization alone. It requires collaboration across every corner of the housing ecosystem.
"Stakeholders, including realtors, housing organizations, local governments, builders, and community leaders, can and should work together to support policies that increase housing supply, streamline permitting processes, encourage a variety of housing types, and invest in infrastructure that supports growth," she said. "Education and advocacy are also essential to help communities understand the benefits of responsible housing development."
That collaborative approach is one of the reasons Heather values her partnership with the East Bay Leadership Council. A trusted advisor on housing policy, she has helped shape EBLC's advocacy on key regional issues, most notably the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy. From refining policy analysis and advocacy materials to organizing a coalition of stakeholders and facilitating meetings with MTC commissioners, Heather has played a pivotal role in advancing collaborative housing solutions across the region.
As the East Bay continues to grapple with its housing challenges, Heather remains focused on creating pathways to homeownership for more families. Through thoughtful advocacy, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to expanding housing opportunities, she hopes to continue to champion solutions that will strengthen both the real estate industry and the communities it serves for generations to come.
INSTALLATION AWARDS EVENT INFO
Tuesday, August 18
Cocktail hour | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Dinner & Program | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Pleasant Hill Community Center
320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill