Keynote Remarks by Marcia L. Fudge + Housing and Community Development in the National Spotlight

Date: Monday, Oct. 4     

Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am PDT (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT)

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Keynote:

Secretary Marcia L Fudge, U.S. Dept. Housing and Urban Development

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Description:

Secretary Fudge will discuss the critical role of community development organizations in the Biden administration's recovery agenda, which prioritizes equitable resource distribution, community power, and accountability. She will also share her vision for HUD’s role in advancing racial equity and addressing structural racism in the housing and community development sector.

After Secretary Fudge’s remarks, we will explore how the community development field can meet this critical moment. Over the past 18 months, our field has been on the national stage in a way never experienced. From the pandemic-driven acceleration of inequities in the housing market, to the eviction crisis, to the mainstream recognition of racial inequities, to the uneven health and economic impact among LMI neighborhoods, our issues are finally front and center in mainstream America. Federal resources are being dedicated and proposed for our work at a level that we're unlikely to experience again. How do we as a field use this moment to better serve our communities? What are the consequences for our movement?

Using “Multi-Solves” to take on the Housing and Climate Crises Simultaneously

Date: Monday, Oct. 4

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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Presenter:

Odetta MacLeish-White, Director of Georgia Initiatives, Center for Community Progress

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Description:

Odetta MacLeish-White, Director of Georgia Initiatives for the Center for Community Progress, will explore the need to recognize the dynamics of power and privilege in our conversations around sustainability and the development of affordable housing. Under-resourced communities have been multi-solving, repurposing, and living sustainably for generations but structural and institutional racism make it disproportionately difficult for communities of color, and the development partners who want to work with them, to access the resources they need to demonstrate robust community engagement and accomplish projects on time and on budget. MacLeish-White has worked for twenty years in affordable housing development, policy and financing. Her career has included empowering residents and community members to influence development and funding processes that impact their neighborhoods.                  

Arts and Community Development: Best Practices for Partnerships

Date: Monday, Oct. 4

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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Moderator:

Lyz Crane, ArtsPlace America

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Panelists:

Olivia Jiménez, Foundation Communities

Sarah Combs, University Area Community Development Corporation

Jun-Li Wang, Springboard for the Arts

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Description:

Leaders in the community development and arts sectors continue to find creative ways to collaborate on common goals, but how do they overcome the well-documented differences between their ways of working? While community development and much of the funding and policy infrastructure that surrounds it focus on working backwards from specific outcomes, arts-based groups and artists strive to create a forward-moving community process that makes for authentic collaboration. Join this session to learn from community development and arts leaders who aim to bring together these different approaches in order to accomplish common goals centered on community empowerment.

Converting Motels and Hotels into Affordable Housing—It Works!

Date: Monday, Oct. 4

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT (3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT)

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Moderator:

Yolanda Davila, BBVA

Panelists:

Megan Loeb, Associate Program Officer for Economic Vitality and Health at Oregon Community Foundation

Walter Moreau, Executive Director, Foundation Communities

Linda Taylor, H.O.M.E.S., Inc.

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Description:

States, cities and nonprofits are transforming older or vacant motels and hotels into short and long-term housing for the homeless. In this session you'll learn about strategies for creating permanent housing for youth aging out of foster care, the chronically homeless, and homeless veterans. The session will also explore hotels as rapid acquisitions to provide safe, socially distanced shelter for community members impacted by wildfires and COVID-19. Learn about the often complex financial structures cobbled together--often at great speed--to make these things happen, and how developers have navigated zoning challenges and NIMBY backlashes. These are creative opportunities to quickly stabilize older or vacant unused structures and to focus on creating long-term permanent housing.

Supporting BIPOC-Owned Small Businesses in the Aftermath of the Pandemic

Date: Monday, Oct. 4

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT (3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT)

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Description:

BIPOC-owned small businesses were hit hard by the pandemic, which exposed the inequities and other challenges they face accessing resources and capital to stay in business. Their struggles have provided an opportunity for community leaders to rethink how we support small businesses. Hear from community leaders as they discuss what they've learned and what needs to be done to foster an environment of support, inclusion, growth, and resiliency for BIPOC-owned small businesses.

Bridging the Racial Wealth Gap Through Home Ownership

Date: Monday Oct.4

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT (3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT)

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Panelists:

Lot Diaz, Vice President, Housing and Community Development, Unidos US

David Dworkin, President and CEO, National Housing Conference

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Description:

The racial wealth gap is not news, nor is the fact that homeownership is the main tool for building wealth. But with the multigenerational effects of discriminatory housing policies and practices contributing to white families having eight times the wealth of Black families and five times the wealth of Latinx families, what can be done to increase home ownership by people of color and narrow the racial wealth gap? Join this important discussion as housing advocates from National Housing Conference and Unidos US discuss the unique challenges of this effort and describe the 3by30 campaign and other innovative opportunities to increase Black and Latinx home ownership.

Ballerina, Astronaut, or Housing Counselor: Growing the Housing Counseling Profession

Date: Monday, Oct. 4

Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm PDT (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm EDT)

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Panelists:

Latisha Carlisle, Vice-President of Housing, NID Housing

Ellie Pepper, Deputy Director, National Housing Resource Center

David Young, Director of Capacity Building, Housing Action Illinois

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Description:

Every day, housing counselors play a key role in helping people purchase or keep their homes, but most people have no idea that housing counseling is a profession, or how to become a housing counselor. Changing this is key to building more stable, equitable communities, since counselors help families and individuals--especially first-time buyers and those who have historically been shut out of homeownership opportunities--get on and stay on the path to sustainable homeownership. Join us to discuss how to raise the profile of the housing counseling field, encourage more people to consider it as a profession, guide them in becoming HUD-certified counselors, and ultimately increase the ranks of housing counseling professionals.

The Identity of the Field – Our Past & Future

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 5

Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am PDT (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT)

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Panelists:

Coming Soon

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Description:

Our field includes a parade of diverse organizations with different agendas, practices, and origins. Our common values bind us together in our diversity. We march together to advance equitable public policies and investments. Hear seasoned practitioners share their reflections on the core values and best practices that their organizations stand firm in as they work to equitably advance prosperity in their communities.

Making Voices of Color Central in Systemic Change

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 5

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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Moderator:

Leslie Reid, CEO, Madison Park Development Corporation

Panelists:

Terrance Narcisse, CEO, East Harris County Empowerment Council

Rev. Bill Stanfield, CEO, Metanoia CDC

Katrina Holland, Executive Director, JOIN

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Description:

Community development is rooted in movements working for racial justice. But as the sector evolves, how can we make sure its future is shaped by the voices of leaders of color? Despite the fact that these leaders have been blazing the way forward and fighting the systemic barriers that their communities face, policy, funding, and decision-making structures have again and again shortchanged their community development initiatives. Join the discussion as leaders of color explore the challenge of addressing systemic racism within our industry. What can dominant-culture CDC organizations, philanthropy, and government agencies do to shift power structures and advance a more equitable and racially just economy?                

Eviction and the Pandemic: What We’re Learning and What Comes Next

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 5

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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Panelists:

Michelle Gilbert, Lawyer's Committee for Better Housing

Sarah Gallagher, National Low Income Housing Coalition ERASE Project

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Description:

A concerted national effort to protect public health and rein in COVID-19 has led to federal and state eviction moratoria, unprecedented investments in emergency rent assistance, and other policies to prevent evictions. As we plan this session, COVID-19 case rates are rising again, the CDC has reinstated a national eviction moratorium through October 3, and a small number of states still have their own moratoriums. Rent assistance is being distributed, although not quickly enough, and many communities are using local strategies to address eviction and its impacts. These include sealing eviction records and expanding access to legal assistance and court-based mediation programs. Join us to discuss the effectiveness of these strategies and explore reducing barriers to finding future housing. We'll spotlight current advocacy needs and additional policy reforms, especially those supported by the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s ERASE (End Rental Arrears to Stop Evictions) project.

Voter Engagement – The Georgia Story

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 5

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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Panelists:

Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown, President and CEO, Georgia ACT

Jerry Gonzalez

Rev. Fer-Rell Malone

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Description:

Join Georgia ACT’s President and CEO, Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown, and representatives from Georgia's urban, rural, and Latino populations for a discussion of the 2020 Georgia voter engagement activities and 2021 initiatives, including the 42-city tour across the state that Georgia ACT and a group of collaborators recently completed. The group sponsored local town hall meetings on the impacts of Senate Bill 202 and the American Rescue Plan, and information on how local communities can access funds for community projects related to voter engagement. She'll speak about current activities too, such as campaigns centered around getting people out to vote or how they plan on getting to the polls to vote. Dr. Hayes-Brown will also discuss voter engagement activities for the upcoming mid-term elections, and panelists will provide suggestions for engagement at the national level.

Protecting Communities as LIHTC Affordability Periods Expire

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 5

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT (3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT)

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Panelists:

David Davenport, Managing Partner, BC Davenport, LLC

Ellen Lurie Hoffman, Senior Director of Federal Policy, National Housing Trust

Robert Rozen, Policy Attorney

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Description:

Predatory Low Income Housing Tax Credit Investors are a growing threat to communities and organizations. We'll discuss how these disputes drain resources from nonprofits, threaten the long-term affordability of properties, and undermine the well-being of residents and communities. Join us to learn about how litigation, federal legislation, and state and local policies can help mitigate this destructive trend and how your organization can protect itself from predatory investors.

Community Development and Public Health as Pandemic Partners

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 5

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT (3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT)

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Panelists:

Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown, CEO, Geogria ACT

Sherrell Byrd

Liz Coyle

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Description:

In the middle of the pandemic, the City of Albany was labeled the COVID epicenter of south Georgia. Hear how one community organization in Albany implemented programs to support a community with health challenges that provided the perfect breeding ground for the spread of the virus. Georgia ACT will also share what they encountered around the state on their 42-city 3V (Vaccines, Visions and Votes) Liberation Tour, and discuss their grant-funded partnership with Georgia Watch, the Morehouse School of Medicine, Georgians for Healthy Future, Public Agenda and Altarum - an initiative focused on training community healthcare workers to engage with local community leaders and elected officials in support of funding, programs, and services for their communities.

Lessons from Hermiston, Oregon: Building Affordable Housing in Rural Communities

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 6

Time:  9:00 am - 10:00 am PDT (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT)

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Panelists:

Nikolai Ursin, Housing Developer, Northwest Housing Alternatives

Bill Lanning, AIA, Principal, MWA Architects

Brian Layman, Project Manager, Walsh Construction Co.

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Description:

Rural communities face unique challenges when dealing with the affordable housing crisis. There's a shortage of affordable housing in rural Oregon, and for most small towns in the state, new construction means an uphill battle. Join the team of the Northwest Housing Alternative's Hermiston Family Housing project as they discuss some of the lessons learned and successes achieved in building affordable multifamily housing in Hermiston, Oregon.

Best Practices in Co-located Domestic Violence Services: Home Forward and the YWCA of Greater Portland

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 6

Time:  9:00 am - 10:00 am PDT (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT)

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Presenter:

Jaidra Hennessey, Director of Domestic and Sexual Violence Programs, YWCA of Greater Portland

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Description:

Jaidra Hennessey, Director of Domestic and Sexual Violence Programs with the YWCA of Greater Portland, will examine the successes and challenges of embedding Domestic Violence (DV) Advocates within a Public Housing Authority (PHA). When Home Forward, the PHA for Multnomah County, Oregon, and the YWCA partnered to provide advocacy services to survivors of abuse in subsidized housing, the expectation was that DV would decrease. Yet, despite the program's success, more referrals than ever are being made. This workshop presents an opportunity to explore the nature and structure of the advocacy partnership, considerations when partnering with victim service providers, navigating complex and changing policies, managing conflict, and why increased referrals are actually a good thing.

Addressing Construction Workforce Gaps as Need for Affordable Housing Grows

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 6

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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Moderator:

Mekha Abraham, Program Manager, OHCS Multifamily Energy Program

Panelists:

Michael Figueredo, OHCS, Weatherization Training & Technical Assistance Coordinator

James Metoyer, Workforce Development Training Manager, Earth Advantage

Lisa Palermo, Development Director, Oregon Tradeswoman

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Description:

In the next twenty years more than 580,000 new homes must be added in Oregon, and more than half of them need to be affordable. While the demand for new affordable housing continues to grow, a construction workforce shortage is also growing throughout the state. To meet the demand, the construction industry will need to attract new talent that's highly skilled, qualified, and diverse. In this session, you'll hear from state leaders offering multiple training programs to address this gap, including initiatives focused on the green building and energy-efficiency industry, which is growing fast as new energy policies are rolled out from the local to global level to drive down energy use and emissions from buildings. Audience participation is highly encouraged, so take part in order to better understand your construction workforce needs in affordable housing.

Equitable Research, Evaluation, and Governance for Supportive Housing Programs

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 6

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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Panelists:

Dr. Marisa Zapata, Associate Professor of Land-Use Planning and Director of Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative, Portland State University

Alyssa Craigie, Director of Health Systems Integration, Health Share of Oregon

Bentley Moses, Program Manager, Center for Outcomes Research and Education

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Description:

What does it look like for homelessness research and evaluation practices to be centered on racial equity and people who have lived experience with homelessness? Researchers from Health Share of Oregon worked with Portland State University’s Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative and Providence CORE to answer this question. They will discuss their study focused on the Regional Supportive Housing Impact Fund, which addresses the growing need for permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness with serious health care needs in the Portland metropolitan region. The findings and recommendations of this study provide actionable guidance for any organization seeking more equitable research, evaluation, and governance approaches for supportive housing and homelessness services.  

The 2021 Oregon Legislative Session: Advancing Affordable Housing Through a Time of Crisis

Date: Thursday, October 7

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT (3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT)

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Moderator:

Nicole Stingh, Senior Legislative & Government Relations Coordinator, Oregon Housing and Community Services

Panelists:

Representative Julie Fahey, District 14, Chair House Committee on Housing

Senator Kayse Jama, District 24, Chair Senate Committee Housing and Development

Representative Jack Zika, District 53

Alison McIntosh, Policy and Communications Director, Housing Alliance

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Description:

Coming out of a year of co-occurring crises, the 2021 Legislature rose to the challenge resulting in a historic investment of nearly $900 million in new resources for multi-family rental housing, homeless services and homeownership opportunities for low-income Oregonians. This plenary session of Legislative leaders and housing advocates will reflect on these significant wins, a few loses, and work left to tackle moving forward into future sessions. Affordable housing advocates, guided by the Housing Alliance, and Oregon Housing and Community Services, under the leadership of Governor Brown, both set bold agendas. Hear reflections on how these new resources and policies respond to the challenges we face brought on by the COVID pandemic and  catastrophic wildfires while advancing long-term housing solutions that will chip away at ongoing systemic racial disparities we face. 

Eliminating a Barrier: Fair Housing and Advocacy for Housing Applicants with Criminal Histories

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 6

Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm PDT (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm EDT)

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Presenter:

Glenda Moyer, Eastern Oregon Education and Outreach Specialist, Fair Housing Council of Oregon

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Description:

Criminal history can be a barrier for some when trying to secure housing. And yet many people with disabilities who have criminal history and people of color continue to face fair housing discrimination. When criminal history is directly related to a disability or when a housing applicant can provide information about a positive shift or change in their criminal behavior, housing providers should consider the applicant. This session will provide advocates information on how to submit reasonable accommodation requests when assisting those with disabilities when related to their criminal record. Criminal history screening for housing has a disparate impact on communities of color due to inequality in the criminal justice system. We will learn about HUD’s 2016 guidance around people’s right to ask for individual consideration regarding their background.     

Making Upgrades Count: Helping Residents Make the Most of Their New Energy Efficient Homes

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 6

Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm PDT (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm EDT)

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Moderator:     

Kristen Bellows, Marketing Lead, OHCS Multifamily Energy Program

Presenter:

Julia Sinex, Technical Manager, OHCS Multifamily Energy Program

Clayton Crowhurst, Housing Developer, Northwest Housing Alternatives

James Snowcarp, Maintenance Technician, Sunnyslope Manor, Cascade Management

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Description:

How can affordable housing properties maximize their investments in energy efficiency and realize cost savings? Helping residents understand how to use new equipment is a critical way to make that happen, but it's often overlooked. The OHCS Multifamily Energy Program is exploring new strategies to help residents understand the equipment in their homes and how to use it to reduce energy costs and improve comfort. Join this session to hear from an affordable housing developer and an on-site maintenance manager about how residents have responded to energy upgrades at their properties. Panelists will also discuss how we can better communicate with residents. You'll be strongly encouraged to contribute as we all brainstorm how to engage with residents after making property upgrades.    

The Ghosts of Our Past: A History of Housing Displacement, Discrimination, and Segregation in Oregon

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 6

Time: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm PDT (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT)  - 1.5 hr. session

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Presenter:

Shyle Ruder, Education and Outreach Director, Fair Housing Council of Oregon

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Description:

Oregon has a little-known history of housing displacement, discrimination, and segregation that has laid the foundation for the disparities we see in our state today. Come to this session to learn this troubling history. Starting from Oregon's founding as a territory, we'll look at how racist practices from that time still have an impact today, examine how governmental policies and programs reinforced systemic racism through practices like red lining, and delve into how the real estate industry and the FHA further solidified racial and economic disparities in the state.     

Creating Permanent Supportive Housing Through a Trauma Informed Lens

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 6

Time: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm PDT (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT)

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Presenter:

Briana Manfrass, Associate Principal, Pinnacle Architecture

Ryan Cain, Project Designer, Pinnacle Architecture

Stacey Witte, Executive Director, REACH (Relationship Empowerment Action Compassion Heart)

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Description:

Imagine being a veteran suffering from PTSD and addiction and living on the streets in a constant state of flight or fight. You’re invited to live in a new PSH (Permanent Supported Housing) community with a roof over your head, a comfortable bed, and services to get you on your feet. It sounds like a dream come true, but for that veteran it’s a drastic change filled with unknowns. Going from living outdoors to occupying an enclosed space surrounded by strangers can trigger traumas and make it very difficult to transition into a new life. Anyone who wants to create successful PSH projects needs to understand that residents have experienced trauma and it's important to create an environment that promotes a sense of pride and dignity. Attendees will hear from a professional who works with our community’s most vulnerable daily and learn how designers integrate their needs into PSH projects.

Trauma-Informed Design in Housing

Date: Thursday, October 7

Time:  9:00 am - 10:00 am PDT (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT)

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Panelists:

Dr. Christa Jones, Psychologist, Behavioral Health, Multnomah County

Kim Stanley, Interior Designer, RID, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP, Carleton Hart Architecture

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Description:

A holistic approach to transitional and permanent supportive housing must consider the influence of trauma on a person’s wellbeing. We're seeing how close collaboration among service providers, designers, and development teams can help create a built environment that contributes to the healing process. A joint presentation by Dr. Christa Jones, a psychologist, and Kim Stanley, an interior designer (RID, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP), will open with an overview of trauma and trauma-informed care by Dr. Jones, whose work includes creating programs for people experiencing or working through trauma. She will provide an overview of how trauma manifests across the lifespan, and discuss re-victimization and trauma-informed practices. Kim Stanley will share her experience working on projects for people who have experienced trauma. Through case studies, she’ll explore how to effectively use design techniques that minimize architectural triggers and contribute to occupants’ wellbeing while also promoting their dignity.

Construction Contracting for Oregon Housing:  The Basics

Date: Thursday, October 7

Time:  10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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Presenters:

Chris Walters, Partner, Construction Practice Group, Ball Janik LLC

Peter Willcox-Jones, Partner, Construction Practice Group, Ball Janik LLC

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Description:

Chris Walters and Peter Willcox-Jones, partners in the construction practice group of Portland law firm Ball Janik LLP, will walk through the basics of construction contracting for Oregon housing developers, sponsors, managers and owners.   Topics will include assembling the design and construction team, choice of contracts, financing considerations, points of negotiation, insurance, best practices in the construction process, time and cost disputes, liens, and post-construction claims.

Taxes and Accounting for Affordable Housing: Essential Updates for 2021

Date: Thursday, October 7

Time:  10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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Presenters:

Fritz Duncan, CPA, Partner and Shareholder, Jones & Roth CPAs & Business Advisors

Kari Young, CPA, Partner and Shareholder, Jones & Roth CPAs & Business Advisors

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Description:

Taxes and accounting for affordable housing can be complex. Managing a long-term strategy, from tax credit application through year 15, is critical for housing development success. In this session, presenters will call out and explore the essential tax and accounting updates related to affordable housing for 2021. Attendees will learn about developments affecting lease-up, year 15 considerations, tax basis tracking, exit taxes, income averaging, and other aspects of these complex but important subjects.

Unpacking The Village: New Research Toward Better Alternative Shelter

Date:  Friday, October 8

Time:  9:00 am - 10:00 am PDT (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT)

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Presenters:

Todd Ferry, Senior Research Associate and Faculty Fellow, Center for Public Interest Design, Portland State University

Dr. Marisa Zapata, Associate Professor of Land-Use Planning and Director of Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative, Portland State University

Dr. Greg Townley, Associate Professor of Community Psychology, Portland State University and Co-founder, Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative, Portland State University

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Description:

The village model, which features non-congregate sleeping units and shared facilities, has emerged as a favorite alternative approach to providing shelter for houseless community members. Advocates argue that villages can be put in place quickly, use underutilized land, and offer common space for empowerment, healing, and community. Research at Portland State University’s Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative (HRAC) provides critical context for the practices and outcomes of the village model. Learn from members of the interdisciplinary team at HRAC who conducted this research. They'll share key lessons  from a multi-year study, funded by Meyer Memorial Trust, that engaged a range of stakeholders, including villagers, village managers/support-specialists, village designers/architects, and neighbors. As interest in the village model grows both locally and nationally, this team aims to identify best practices for the creation of more impactful and equitable villages--practices that can also inform a range of other approaches to alternative shelter.

Housing Oregon Annual Leadership Awards Ceremony

Date: Wednesday, October 6

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT (3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT)

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Presenters:

Chabre Vickers, Vice President, Community Development Officer – Oregon, Wells Fargo

Afton Walsh, Community Outreach Director and Project Manager, Walsh Construction Co.

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Description:

Housing Oregon’s Annual Leadership Awards are first and foremost an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the amazing efforts of the many staff, leaders, and volunteers championing affordable multi-family rental housing, homeless services, and homeownership opportunities for low-income households across Oregon. Join housing leaders, advocates and supporters as representatives from our Presenting Sponsors - Wells Fargo and Walsh Construction Co. - present awards to individuals and housing developers and service providers for their projects and programs advancing innovation, equity, and impact within the affordable housing industry in Oregon.

Pathways to Stability for People Experiencing IDD and Homelessness

Date: Thursday, October 7

Time:  1:30 pm - 2:30 pm PDT (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm EDT)

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Moderator:

Margaret Van Vliet, Consultant, Trillium Advisors

Presenters:

Terri Silvis, Ph.D, CEO, Horizon Projects

Jennifer Knapp, Executive Director, Community Vision

Bryce Bahler, LICSW, Director, Transitional Community Treatment, Ryther

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Description:

This session will highlight the challenges and opportunities to securing stable housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Building off of EcoNorthwest's 2020 data study that revealed deep but still hidden unmet housing needs for this special population, three project sponsors will share how they are forging solutions for our neurodiverse neighbors in both urban and rural communities.

The Building Blocks of DEI, Mentorship & Partnerships on Affordable Housing Projects

Date: Thursday, October 7

Time:  1:30 pm - 2:30 pm PDT (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm EDT)

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Panelists:

Afton Walsh, Community Outreach Director and Project Manager, WALSH Construction Co.

Maurice Rahming, President, O'Neill Construction Group

Kenechi Onyeagusi, Executive Director, PBDG

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Description:

Join this panel discussion on the importance of diversity, mentorship, and partnership in the architecture, engineering and construction industries when we're building affordable housing. You'll learn what construction contractors, trade partners, and trade associations are doing to encourage and support underrepresented industry partners to ensure success on the project and in the community.     

Engaging Neighborhood Associations and Navigating Appeals of Affordable Housing Proposals

Date: Friday, October 8

Time:  9:00 am - 10:00 am PDT (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT)

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Presenter:

Damien Hall, Chair of the Land Use and Real Estate practice groups, Ball Janik LLC

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Description:

Oregon has recently adopted changes to state law that provide protections for affordable housing projects in the land use appeal process. Neighborhood Associations are active participants in local land use processes and have, at times, utilized appeals to affect the outcome of proposed developments. In this presentation Mr. Damien Hall, Chair of the Land Use and Real Estate practice groups, with Ball Janik LLC, will provide an overview of the current land use appeal framework and a close look at how it affects affordable housing; strategies practitioners can use to decrease the likelihood of land use appeals; and ways to work for a successful resolution of unavoidable appeals.  

The Integration of Affordable Housing and Healthcare Services for a Comprehensive Whole-Person Approach

Date: Friday, October 8

Time:  10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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Panelists:

Mary-Rain O'Meara, Director, Real Estate Development, Central City Concern

Kerrie Bartel-Christensen, Interim Senior Vice President of Real Estate Strategy and Operations for Providence St. Joseph Health in the Oregon Region

Rose Bak, Chief Program Officer at Catholic Charities of Oregon

Matt Godt, Senior Project Manager/Business Development Manager, Walsh Construction

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Description:

Join the conversation, moderated by Matt Godt of Walsh Construction Co., as panelists from Central City Concern, Catholic Charities of Oregon, and Providence St. Joseph Health Oregon discuss how the integration of comprehensive care for the whole person and safe, stable shelter can successfully address the problem of chronic homelessness in communities. Health can’t happen when people don’t have safe and stable homes. To improve health outcomes, the organizations aimed to build affordable housing combined with onsite health services for lower income working people, including those who have experienced homelessness. Creating a comprehensive whole-person approach involves providing direct access to housing, which supports lifestyle change; attainment of income through employment and/or accessing benefits; integrated health care services that are highly effective in engaging people who are often alienated from mainstream systems; and the development of peer relationships that nurture and support personal transformation and recovery.

Building Inclusive Communities: Promoting New Housing Developments Through a Fair Housing Lens

Date: Friday, October 8

Time:  10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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Presenters:

Jamie Gatewood, Education & Outreach Coordinator, Fair Housing Council of Oregon

Samuel Goldberg, Education & Outreach Specialist, Fair Housing Council of Oregon

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Description:

Just bringing up inclusive housing can spark fraught discussions and resistance. This session will help attendees untangle these debates by seeing them in a civil rights framework. We will discuss the basics of fair housing, the history of residential segregation in Oregon, and current developments in state land use processes in order to help dispel common myths about new housing development and ensure that governmental jurisdictions understand their responsibilities for enforcing fair housing rules. We'll also discuss the differences between affordable and fair housing, and how to bridge the divide between them so that both goals can be achieved. Finally, we will talk about the status of Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rules, and the impact they have on the development of inclusive communities.

Stronger Together: Bridging the Gap Between Resident Services and Property Management

Date: Friday, October 8

Time:  1:30 pm - 2:30 pm PDT (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm EDT)

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Presenters:

Elizabeth Carr, Resident Services Program Manager, St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County

Jennifer Cervantes, Compliance Officer, St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County

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Description:

Why are they even here? They shouldn't be getting involved. I can't share that info with you. You're not qualified to speak on this issue. They're only here so we can get funding. Can't you just go host a potluck?! If you've ever said these things about Resident Services (or heard them said about you) then this session is for you! Two years ago, the Resident Services and Property Management departments at St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County were neck-deep in mutual misunderstanding and bad habits. Through time, hard work, and a lot of self-examination these groups forged one of the strongest relationships in their agency. Join to hear a panel of Resident Services and Property Management staffers explain the steps they took to create a collaborative partnership that upholds lease compliance while continuing to support tenants and meet them where they are.

The Big Questions Surrounding CRA Reform

DATE: Monday, Oct. 4

TIME: 10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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PANELISTS:

Sharon Legenza, Housing Action Illinois

Horacio Mendez, Woodstock Institute

Frank Woodruff, National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations

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DESCRIPTION:

Keeping banks and investors accountable to communities and community development goals is a significant and complex undertaking – but critical to advancing the civil rights goals inherent in the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). Federal regulators charged with implementing the CRA are currently working through responses from this year's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and potentially proposing a draft rule in 2022, if not sooner. At the same time, some states are advancing their own CRA laws to increase lending accountability and transparency. Come hear the most recent updates and engage with our expert roundtable about the big questions being raised by these CRA reform efforts, including how we as a sector might want to see them resolved in order to benefit the communities we work with and serve.

Lessons in Community and Family Resilience from the 2020 Wildfires

Date:  Thursday, Oct. 7

Time:  9:00 am - 10:00 am PDT (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT)

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Moderator:

Kim Travis, Wildfire Recovery Manager, Oregon Housing and Community Services

Panelists:         

Ryan Flynn, Assistant Director of Disaster Recovery and Resiliency, Oregon Housing and Community Services

Michael Morter, Wildfire Recovery Ombudsman, Office of Oregon Governor Kate Brown

Candace Jamison, Executive Director, Marion County Housing Authority

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Description:

In early fall of 2020, Oregon experienced a devastating series of wildfires, losing nearly 4,200 homes and forever changing the lives and landscapes in its varied pathways. The fires left thousands of residents homeless and economically vulnerable; the state was already reeling from a severe shortage of affordable housing, escalating costs for land and materials, a growing gap between rental rates and wages, and unprecedented levels of housing insecurity made worse by COVID-19.  Panel participants will outline lessons learned and how we can be more prepared for future disasters, provide a status of new resources (HB 5006) to address the 2020 wildfires, and discuss the importance of modular construction to expedite recovery.

Blending Affordable Housing, Community Wealth-Building, and Small Business Success

Date:  Thursday, Oct. 7

Time:  9:00 am - 10:00 am PDT (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT)

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Moderator:

Steven White, Attorney, Oregon office of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Panelists:       

John W. Haines, Executive Director, Community Investment Trust, Mercy Corps

Maggie Reilly, Vice President and Lender, Craft3

Bill Van Vliet, Executive Director, Network for Oregon Affordable Housing (NOAH)

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Description:

Awakened by COVID and the George Floyd murder in Minneapolis, a renewed focus and funding support is attempting to accelerate a range of long-term racial and rural disparities with an array of priorities in housing, community wealth building and small business survival and incubation. How do we avoid silo thinking and funding to foster collaboration and more integrated impact in neighborhoods?  Join us in a discussion with long-time Oregon housing leader NOAH (Network for Oregon Affordable Housing), the leading regional CDFI, Craft3, and the Community Investment Trust (CIT) of Mercy Corps. Panel will be moderated by Steven White, Attorney with Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe, LLP.

SB 8 – Expanding Affordable Housing Options on Commercially Zoned Properties

Date:  Thursday, Oct. 7

Time:  1:30 pm - 2:30 pm PDT (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm EDT)

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Moderator:

Mary Kyle McCurdy, Deputy Director, 1000 Friends of Oregon

Panelists:

Ariel Nelson, Lobbyist, Oregon League of Cities

Joel Madsen, Executive Director, Mid-Columbia Housing Authority & Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation

Emily Reiman, Executive Director, DevNW

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Description:

SB 8 was passed during the 2021 legislative session making it easier for affordable housing developers to build on land not zoned for residential use bypassing local zoning and conditional use development processes. Join this panel discussion to learn more about strategies for engaging with planners to ease implementation in your local jurisdiction. Hear from local developers who advocated for this project and the types of projects they envision will now be easier to site and build working in partnership with faith-based communities and on land zoned for commercial use. Also learn how HB 2008 provides for property tax exemptions on property of religious organizations used solely to provide affordable housing to low-income households.

Discover the Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credit

Date:  Thursday, Oct. 7

Time:  3:00 pm – 4:00 pm PDT (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm EDT)

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PRESENTERS

Martin Jarvis, Program Analyst, Oregon Housing and Community Services

Tai Dunson-Strane, Production Analyst, Oregon Housing and Community Services

Ken Morrell, Portlfolio Administration and Compliance, Oregon Housing and Community Services

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Description:

The OAHTC is a financing tool unique to Oregon and has recently had a statutory update to better align with funding from Rural Development, along with an increase to the cap!  Joined by others from OHCS, OAHTC program manager Martin Jarvis will lead this session highlighting these recent updates, along with a review of the program use and compliance requirements of OAHTC funding. Topics of discussion will include:  what the credit is and how it works, how it can benefit both property owners and tenants, why it’s so important in our current housing climate, program exemptions and key compliance requirements.

SB 458 – Expanding Homeownership Through “Missing Middle Housing” Legislation

Date:  Thursday, Oct. 7

Time:  3:00 pm – 4:00 pm PDT (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm EDT)

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MODERATOR

Ethan Stuckmayer, Senior Planner of Housing Programs, Oregon Department Land Conservation and Development

PANELISTS

Shannon Vilhauer, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Oregon

Ariel Nelson, Lobbyist, Oregon League of Cities

Ellen Miller, Senior Lobbyist & Owner, Bau Oregon and  Government Affairs Director for the Oregon Home Builders Association

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Description:

Missing Middle Housing describes a range of house-scale buildings with multiple units - duplex, triplex, or more - compatible in scale and form with detached single-family homes. SB 458, passed in the 2021 legislative session, streamlines the permitting process and allows land division to separate dwelling units for new middle housing in cities across the state. Join this panel discussion to learn more about the parameters of what will be allowed for such land divisions and when the changes will go into effect. The learning process leading to passage is a great lesson in working closely with local jurisdictions that will be responsible for implementation and finding solutions that will work for them. While the legislation expands a new homeownership opportunity, how can we help ensure they’ll be accessible for low-income working families?

Presenting the OHCS Funding Calendar and Frameworks for Review and Input

Date:  Friday, Oct. 8

Time:  9:00 am - 10:00 am PDT (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT)

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Presenters:    

Natasha Detweiler-Daby, Assistant Director Planning and Policy, Oregon Housing and Community Services

Amy Cole, State Development Resources Manager, Oregon Housing and Community Services

Angela Parada, Tax Credit Program Manager, Oregon Housing and Community Services

Andrea Matthiessen, HOME / HTF Program Manager, Oregon Housing and Community Services

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Description:

OHCS is mid-way through the process of finalizing their biennial funding calendar, prescribing what funds will be offered for development and preservation of affordable rental housing in 2022 and 2023.  Attend to hear the latest updates, have the opportunity to provide input, and learn about next steps.

OHCS Planned Preservation Investments

Date:  Friday, Oct. 8

Time:  10:30 am - 11:30 am PDT (1:30 pm -2:30 pm EDT)

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Presenters:

Natasha Detweiler-Daby, Assistant Director Planning and Policy, Oregon Housing and Community Services

Amy Cole, State Development Resources Manager, Oregon Housing and Community Services

Martin Jarvis, State Tax Credit Program Analyst, Oregon Housing and Community Services

Ed Brown, Gap Program Analyst, Oregon Housing and Community Services

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Description:

The 2021 Oregon Legislature invested a record $100 million into the preservation efforts of Oregon Housing and Community Services.  Over the past several months, OHCS and stakeholders have engaged in deliberate conversations about preservation, providing a wealth of recommendations over the use of these resources.  Please attend to dig into the current proposal for the funding calendar on these resources as well as proposed frameworks for prioritizing these investments.

Preschools & Housing: Integrating early childhood learning centers in affordable housing development

Date:  Friday, Oct. 8

Time:  1:30 pm - 2:30 pm PDT (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm EDT)

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Moderator:     

Brian Stewart, VP Director of Client & Community Relations, Oregon/Washington, PNC Bank

Panelists:

Leslee Barnes, Director, Preschools for All, Preschool and Early Learning Division Director, Department of County Human Services, Multnomah County

Jilian Saurage Felton, Housing Development Director, Community Partners for Affordable Housing

Rick Ruzicka, Senior Operations & Policy Analyst, Oregon Housing and Community Services

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Description:

Recently approved Oregon legislation and a voter approved universal preschool measure in Multnomah County suggest new opportunities for the integration of early childhood learning centers in affordable housing developments. HB 5011 directs OHCS and the Oregon Department of Education Early Learning Division to produce a research study by winter 2022 and then develop a pilot grant proposal to support the co-location of affordable housing and early learning or childcare centers. Housing developers see opportunity to provide a critical resource for residents and neighbors by adding commercial spaces to accommodate early childhood learning centers in new housing developments. Hear from governmental, developer and preschool administrator perspectives on the challenges and opportunities related to expanding childcare services for low-income households throughout Oregon.

Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley: New legislation championing affordable homeownership and ending homelessness

Friday, October 8

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT (3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT)

PRESENTERS

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley

Madison Moskowitz, Domestic Economic Policy Advisor, Office of U.S. Senator Ron Wyden

Matthew Traylor, Housing Policy Advisor, Office of U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley

DESCRIPTION

Oregon's U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley join us to explain new legislation they have introduced designed to address America’s crisis of housing availability and affordability by reducing the shortcomings of current housing policies and funding levels. After brief comments, the Senators’ policy staff will join for Q & A. Senator Ron Wyden’s DASH Act will make a generational investment to end childhood homelessness and tackle the housing affordability crisis by issuing Housing Choice Vouchers to all families with children; greatly increase the production of deeply affordable housing for families exiting homelessness and reform the Low Income Housing Tax Credit. Senator Merkley’s Affordable HOME Act will invest $40 billion per year in the National Housing Trust Fund; lower the cost of housing so everyone can afford a place to live; and build an emergency housing program to deploy resources during large-scale disasters like wildfires.

City of Eugene Opens Applications for Exemptions to Support Building Local Affordable Housing

Housing Policy Board, Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee and Interested Parties City of Eugene Opens Applications for Exemptions to Support Building Local Affordable Housing SDC Exemption Program Applications Due September 19.   Qualified local affordable housing projects can now apply to be provided exemptions for local system development charges (SDCs) during the building permit process. Applications are available online and must be submitted by September 19, 2022. The SDC exemptions can go toward smaller single-unit projects, like accessory dwelling units or homes built for ownership, or toward larger, multi-unit housing projects. Past projects include Iris Place (52 units of affordable housing), The Nel (45 units of permanent supportive housing) and Habitat for Humanity homes throughout the community.   Funding will be prioritized based on several criteria including the percentage of units serving the lowest income households and the percentage of units that are accessible to people with disabilities. Each year, the City of Eugene supports the creation of more local housing that is affordable to people with lower incomes through the SDC exemption program. SDC exemptions can be used for rental housing for households earning 60% of the area median income (AMI) or below (42,760 for a family of four); or for homeownership housing for households earning 80% AMI or below (63,700 for a family of four). Exemptions are limited, and the amount applied for often exceeds the amount available. For fiscal year (FY) 2023, approximately $762,000 is available for SDC exemptions. Half of the funding will be awarded to rental housing developments and half will go to home ownership developments.  If the proposals awarded in one category do not use all the exemptions available for that category, the remaining SDC exemptions will be awarded in the other category. To help provide a clear framework and process for projects interested in getting SDC exemptions, the City will be using a request for proposal (RFP) process to allocate funds. The RFP will collect information to help prioritize funding for projects that: offer the highest percentage of units serving the lowest income households provide more than 5% of units to be accessible for people with physical disabilities. commit to longer affordability periods than the minimum 5 years. provide the most units within their category (rental or home ownership). provide housing affordable to low-income households in higher-income census tracts to support diverse housing opportunities Projects must: Be located in Eugene city limits Have control of the property and be ready to start construction within 12 months of approval Meet affordability criteria outlined in the application Submit a complete application by September 19, 2022 The Request for Proposals is an open, competitive process. Proposals are reviewed, scored, and ranked based on the information provided in the application. More information on the Request for Proposal process and application is available online.