The Business of Housing

Description

BREAKOUT SESSIONS:
1. From Policy to Practice: How Township Managers Are Shaping Housing Solutions moderated by Matt Edmonds, Chester County Planning Commission

• Steven Brown, East Whiteland Township Manager; 
• Chris Himes, New Garden Township Manager; 
• Nick Valla, Middletown Township Assistant Manager; 
• Scott Hutt, Hatfield Township Assistant Manager/ MCATO; 
• Dave Nyman, Bucks County Association of Township Officials

As municipalities across the region struggle to moderate rising housing costs and fill critical public service workforce gaps, this solutions-focused panel will highlight how township managers are translating housing policy into actionable, local strategies that address affordability and community needs. Speakers will share practical strategies, challenges, and successes in shaping housing initiatives that strengthen their municipalities.

2. The Business Case for Housing: Connecting Workforce, Growth, and Affordability moderated by Laura Manion, Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry

• Steve Forster, Montgomery County Department of Commerce Director; 
• TJ Lonergan, Bucks County Industrial Development Authority Executive Director; 
• Additional speaker TBD

This session will explore how the shortage of affordable housing is shaping the region’s economy, from workforce challenges to stalled business growth. Panelists will share data on the economic impact, discuss how these dynamics affect local employers and economic development, and highlight practical strategies for business leaders to partner with policymakers in advancing needed housing solutions.

3. What’s Next in Harrisburg: Current Legislative and Budget Issues Shaping Housing moderated by Phyllis Chamberlain, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania Executive Director

• Orlando Almonte, Deputy Secretary of Policy and Planning, Office of Governor Josh Shapiro; 
• Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17, Montgomery/Delaware Counties) 

This educational session will provide an update on housing-related legislative discussions in both state houses and review key budget considerations impacting housing and homelessness. Representatives from the Governor’s office will also share takeaways from the statewide roundtables that are informing the Governor’s Housing Action Plan. Participants will leave more informed about timely state-level issues, with actionable ideas for working with their local legislators to support affordable housing solutions.

4. Opportunity for All: The Economic Advantages of Ending Homelessness moderated by Jason Alexander, Capacity for Change, LLC.

• Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness; 
• Lieutenant Roger Ollis, City of Coatesville Police Department; 
• Additional speaker(s) TBD

Half of all renter households are now housing cost-burdened, paying more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities. Working families and individuals struggling to pay rent are at greater risk of food insecurity, health problems, eviction, and homelessness. This will be an in-depth conversation about how homelessness (resulting from high housing costs) negatively impacts the local economy (less discretionary spending), raises municipal expenditures on public services and decreases consumer spending and how municipalities, nonprofits, and businesses can collaborate to alleviate this issue.