With extensive experience at the State Housing Department and California Department of Housing and Community Development, Shawn Danino has been a driving force behind planning for approximately 250,000 housing units across California. His dedication and expertise have been recognized through 8 peer recognition awards via the RISE and Director’s Award Nomination Program.

Shawn's collaboration with the State Treasurer led to the establishment of a $100 million recurring annual grant program, financing affordable backyard homes in North Oakland. As a founding member of both the State ADU Team and Prohousing Team, he has mentored over 10 staff members on housing feasibility, zoning, climate resilience planning, and creating tools for persons with disabilities.

In Oakland, Shawn served as the Primary Reviewer for the city’s Housing Element, ensuring plans to accommodate nearly 28,000 housing units over eight years. He was also the Primary Reviewer for Oakland’s successful Prohousing Designation Program Application, securing $3 million through the Prohousing Incentive Program. His advocacy has been instrumental in the approval of a 222-unit mixed-income project near West Oakland BART, with special environmental justice concessions for lower-income households. Shawn led efforts to revise the housing element to affirmatively further fair housing by rezoning historically segregated communities.

Shawn holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Southern California (Magna Cum Laude) and dual Master's degrees in Information and Public Policy from the University of Michigan.