Join us for Framing Futures on April 30

Framing Futures is Community Roots’ fundraising luncheon focused on upholding the promise of affordable housing in Seattle.

This event combines timely ideas with local context, empowering members of the community, like you, to move solutions forward. Join us on Thursday, April 30 at the Seattle Convention Center to hear from contributing writer for The Atlantic and co-author of Abundance, Derek Thompson.

Learn how the abundance agenda could frame the future of our region in an engaging conversation between Community Roots CEO Colleen Echohawk and Derek Thompson. They will explore themes like how we unlock extraordinary growth and build more affordable housing. He will share specific examples of how businesses and governments alike can make progress in leaps and bounds — if we dare.

You will leave with a renewed sense of hope, an excitement for the future, and a roadmap for taking meaningful action — whether at the policy level, in business, or as individuals — to create a world where there’s more than enough for everyone.

Join us for an inspiring event that helps power Community Roots’ work to provide stable, affordable housing for our region. 

BUY TICKETS

Date & Time

Thursday, April 30, 2026
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Coffee hour
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.: Program

Location

Seattle Convention Center – Summit
900 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

Tickets

Individual tickets: $100-$150
Lunch, coffee, and good company included

Meet the speaker

Derek Thompson

Derek Thompson is the #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Abundance, which was named a best book of the year by The New York Times, Financial Times, The Guardian, and many more. An award-winning journalist, he is the host of the podcast Plain English, as well as a contributor for CBS News and a contributing writer for The Atlantic.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT

Support affordable housing at Framing Futures

Over the past decade, Seattle has been defined by scarcity: there is not enough housing for everyone who wants to live here. Every year, it becomes harder for working people to live in the city. As the affordability crisis grows, the impact falls on those who can least bear it: seniors on fixed incomes, teachers, artists, and people transitioning out of homelessness.

Uncertain federal support threatens years of progress the region has made to fight the housing crisis. Nonetheless, local developers, nonprofits, and public agencies — like Community Roots — are being called to build abundant affordable housing.

The money raised at Framing Futures helps keep the city within reach for everyone through the development, preservation and operation of affordable housing.

About Community Roots Housing

Everyone has the right to a quality, affordable home. At Community Roots Housing, this truth drives our work. By embracing community-led development and engaging in deep-rooted partnerships, we’re fostering vibrant, equitable communities where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and welcoming homes. Today, with nearly 45 apartment buildings and over 2,400 residents, we continue our commitment to build community with and for people. 

Learn more about our work

FAQs

Thank you to everyone who has supported us at Top of the Town over the years. Instead of a dinner, we have transitioned our spring fundraiser to a luncheon and refreshed its name to Framing Futures.

The price of the ticket helps cover the cost of producing the fundraiser. Your ticket includes coffee and tea, lunch, dessert, and good conversation.

You have the option to choose between a full table (10 tickets), a half table (five tickets), or individual tickets.

Lunch and dessert will be provided. Please indicate any dietary restrictions during registration and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Community Roots is committed to making our events accessible to everyone. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please note them in the registration form, or reach out to mzanatta-kline@communityrootshousing.org.

The Seattle Convention Center is a fully ADA accessible building.

No, no alcohol will be served at this event, so all ages are welcome.

While purchasing a ticket, the form has options to add the names of your guests. The name of the person purchasing a ticket can be different from the name of the attendee.

Additionally, sponsors will receive a registration code for no-cost admission that they can pass on to their guests.

Yes. However, alternatively we can turn what you’ve paid for admission into a tax-deductible donation. Contact us at mzanatta-kline@communityrootshousing.org to learn more.

Yes—we appreciate your support! You can make a donation online here or visit communityrootshousing.org/donate for more donation options.

Business casual is encouraged. Leave your tux at home.

Parking is available at the Summit Parking Garage. There are also numerous paid lots and street parking nearby. We’ll send more detailed information on parking in the “Know Before You Go” email closer to the event.

Thank you to our sponsors

Thank you to all our sponsors for making Top of the Town a success! If your company is interested in supporting Community Roots’ work, you can learn more on our sponsorship page.

Premier sponsors

Kaiser LogoMicrosoft Logo

Signature sponsor

Amazon
Gates Foundation

Partner sponsors

Buchanan General Contracting
Compass Construction
Heritage Bank
Hunters Capital
Lockton
Marpac Construction
SMR Architects
Weber Thompson

Contributor sponsor

Clark Nuber
Mithun

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