The Cohousing Summit: Seattle is a one-day gathering for anyone drawn to deeper connection – whether you live in community, are working to create one, or are simply curious about new models of living well together. The summit explores how cohousing and other community-rooted housing approaches can strengthen belonging, expand housing options, and support people across all stages of life.

With interactive breakout sessions, thoughtful conversations, and plenty of time to connect, the day is designed to offer both practical learning and a strong sense of community. The summit is co-chaired by Grace Kim—renowned architect, TED speaker, and co-founder of Schemata Workshop—and Mike Mariano, co-owner of Schemata Workshop. Grace and Mike are also founding members of Capitol Hill Urban Cohousing, a mulitgenerational community in the heart of Seattle. The event will also feature optional tours of Seattle-area communities before and after the summit.

What to Expect:

Practical skills and inspiration for everyone on the community journey—from dreamers and community builders to long-time communitarians and established communities.

• Sessions designed for both forming and existing communities
• Expert panels exploring cohousing, pocket neighborhoods, co-ops, and more
• 12 breakout sessions with actionable tools and real-world insights
• Meaningful connection with community builders, professionals, and curious newcomers
• Optional local community tours on May 14, 15, and 17

Early Bird Registration Rates (before March 15, 2026):
General Registration: $155
CohoUS Member Rate*: $110

Standard Registration Rates (after March 15, 2026):
General Registration: $175
CohoUS Member Rate*: $130

Student Rate (for actively enrolled students):
$75

* Make sure you’re logged in to access the member rate. Not a member yet? Join CohoUS to save even more

Schedule At-A-Glance:

9:00am – 10:00am: Registration + Connections
10:00am – 11:30am: Plenary Programming
11:30am – 12:45pm: Lunch Break
1:00 – 4:30pm: Breakouts
4:30 – 6:00pm: Closing Reception
6:00pm: Optional Dine Arounds 

Program Highlights:

We are bringing together residents, professionals, and emerging community builders from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond for a day of learning, connection, and real-world insight. The program is designed for dreamers, forming groups, long-time communitarians, and professionals working in the community-rooted housing space. A detailed schedule will be released in March.

Design and development
Hear from leading architects and development professionals including Katie McCamant and Grace Kim, alongside regional firms and community leaders, about what it takes to create housing that truly supports connection. Sessions will explore designing for social interaction, the importance of working with experienced professionals, and practical pathways for developing new cohousing communities. We will also feature a showcase of forming communities including Rooted Northwest, Sunnyside Village, 4th Corner, Elderberry, and more.

Affordability and new ownership models
Explore how community-rooted housing can become more accessible. Sessions will include perspectives from community land trusts, cooperatives, Habitat partnerships, and a deep dive into co-buying as an emerging pathway into shared housing.

Life inside community
What is daily life in cohousing really like? Residents from Capitol Hill Urban Cohousing and Jackson Place will share stories about raising kids, sharing care, cooking meals, and getting the work of community done together.

Group process and navigating challenges
Living in community is meaningful and complex. Sessions will address interpersonal tensions, “good enough” decision making, and lessons learned from communities that have faced real challenges and change.

Communication and outreach
Learn how communities attract new members and share their story through effective marketing and outreach.

Innovations in community-rooted housing
Hear from House of Mkeka about pocket neighborhoods and other creative approaches expanding the landscape of community-based living.