Summit 2010: Building Sustainable Housing Markets
Developing a regional strategy to address affordable housing needs in Texas
Summit objective
The City of Austin in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will host a one-day Summit, "Building Sustainable Housing Markets," from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, to offer a forum for housing experts and stakeholders to discuss regional strategies to create and sustain affordable housing opportunities in Texas.
This working session will bring together leading housing officials from across the State of Texas to develop regional housing action plans. In the process, participants will have the opportunity to learn from national housing experts and interact directly with their colleagues to address local sustainability issues. By the end of the Summit, attendees will have a realistic and achievable business plan for sustaining affordable housing in their own local regions.
Summit Presentations
A regional approach
Despite the recent economic downturn throughout most parts of the nation, Texas is still a state experiencing rapid growth – both in population and industry. While this growth means greater opportunities for Texas residents, it also means a need for a greater focus on maintaining affordability for those with very-low, low, and moderate incomes, so that Texas can maintain the diverse and inclusive population it currently enjoys. For the average American household, the cost of housing is their greatest expense, so maintaining affordable housing will play a large role in the overall cost of living. Bringing together participants across the state provides an important opportunity to work together to address statewide affordable housing issues.
Key players
A regional strategy is only as effective as the key players who design it. The Summit will rely on professionals, advocates, stakeholders, and experts from throughout Texas whose expertise in affordable housing will contribute toward a regionally-focused solution.
Registration
A continental breakfast will be available during event check-in from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Please register at the HUD Event Registration site. Registration is at no cost to the attendee. However, there will be a $7 parking fee for all attendees parking at the Austin Convention Center on the day of the event.
For more information
For information about Summit 2010: Building Sustainable Housing Markets, contact the City of Austin Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department, Meng Qi at meng.qi@ci.austin.tx.us or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fort Worth branch, Amber Beatty at Amber.N.Beatty@hud.gov.
