Northwest affordable housing providers say it's a volatile time for them as federal programs that have long fueled Clark County development are threatened.

"There's a lot of concern that the programs that we rely upon to move projects to the finish line or break ground are endangered," said Margaret Salazar, CEO of Portland-based REACH Community Development. "A lot of the dollars that we rely upon flow through the local governments. It will be one of those things that you don't know what you've got until it's gone."

She was among four panelists who spoke during Tuesday's "Columbian Conversations: Innovative Housing Solutions" event at Kiggins Theatre in downtown Vancouver.

Local development and housing experts discussed the growing challenges of increasing housing supply in Clark County amid rising demand. Panelists explored potential impacts on local and national housing markets, highlighting shifts in regulations and funding priorities.