Pre-Conference Registration - Registration Desk 6

NALHFA University Presents: Bonds for Beginners 
(Pre-registration required)

Bonds for Beginners: Part I - Debussy

Do you need a refresher course in private activity bond issuance? If so, this session answers all your basic questions. Set in an instructional, yet interactive setting, discussions pinpoint all the fundamental concepts: the definition of a bond and its relationship to other financing instruments, measuring price, interest, and yield, how a public agency issues bonds, the key players, the key documents, and the flow of funds. Come prepared to work in a group.

Instructors:

• Ellen K. Duffy, Executive Vice President of Capital Markets and Investments, New York City Housing Development Corporation
• Nora O'Brien, Public Finance Partner, Chapman and Cutler LLP
• Patrick Johnson, Vice President, CSG Advisors
• DeDe Cross, Director, Stifel

Bonds for Beginners: Part II - Debussy
(Pre-registration required)

This session builds on the basic concepts presented in Part 1. Discussions include credit enhancement, cash flow analysis, the role of the rating agencies, and disclosure in a bond transaction. After these two sessions, participants will understand the more complex areas of tax-exempt bond financing.

Instructors:

• David Wu, Public Finance Associate, Stifel
• Tanya Dempsey, Co-CEO, CSG Advisors
• Patrick Johnson, Vice President, CSG Advisors
• Kevin Murphy, Partner, Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP
• Scott Hutter, Director of Multifamily Lending, DC Housing Finance Agency

NALHFA Board of Directors Meeting (by invite only) - Handel

Welcome Happy Hour (by invite only) - Encore Promenade

Come grab a drink and join us for Happy Hour! This is a unique networking opportunity specifically for our Rising Stars, First Time Attendees, Bonds for Beginners Course Participants, and invited guests. Get to know the NALHFA Board of Directors and Staff and fellow conference attendees.

Sponsored By:

Registration - Registration Desk 6 

Networking Breakfast - Encore Ballroom

Come join your fellow conference attendees for a time to connect and network with housing finance professionals from all over the country. This is a great opportunity to have casual conversations, interact with conference sponsors, and share success stories and best practices. 

Sponsored By:

8:15 am - 10:30am

Opening Keynote & General Session - Encore Ballroom
Sponsored by: eHousingPlus/HDS Companies

Keynote Speaker:

• Zach Conine, Nevada State Treasurer

General Session: Future of Public Finance 
Our opening General Session will welcome a discussion regarding the future of public finance in sustainable housing and innovative financing models. Panelists will explore the intersection of public policy and financial incentives to promote the adoption of sustainable building practices, the role of public-private partnerships in funding sustainable housing projects, fostering community resilience against climate change impacts and the importance of strategic investments into collaborative efforts to drive sustainable housing sectors.

Facilitator:

• Robert Blaine, Senior Executive and Director, National League of Cities

Speakers:

• Trenton Allen, CEO, Sustainable Capital Advisors
• Aaron Thomas, Senior Managing Director, Standard Communities & Strategic Advisor for Accelerator of America

Housing Innovation Challenge Announcement
Our General Session’s second half will kick off with a presentation by the Coalition for Green Capital (CGC) on its participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). CGC will speak on its GGRF allocated funding to support renewable energy housing technology and community infrastructure. Following CGC will be a panel discussion on a recently launched housing fund and innovation challenge partnership between Elemental Excelerator and NALHFA members. Attendees during this panel discussion will learn more about how local housing finance agencies can utilize public-private partnerships to advance sustainable infrastructure development. 

Facilitator:

• RJ McGrail, Senior Fellow, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy & Principal Investigator, Accelerating Community Investment Initiative

Speakers:

• Dawn Arnold, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Invest Atlanta
• Gwendy Brown, Senior Policy Advisor, Elemental Excelerator
• Damon Burns, CEO, Finance New Orleans
• Nenha Young, Director of Policy and Network, The Coalition for Green Capital

Networking Break - Encore Ballroom

General Session: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Update - Encore Ballroom

This session will feature remarks from Julia Gordon, Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Attendees are encouraged to come join the discussion about the latest updates and insights on crucial housing programs local housing finance agencies administer. This is an incredible opportunity to gain insight on HUD’s affordable housing initiatives and engage in a conversation about challenges and opportunities facing both HUD and local HFAs. Attendees are encouraged to come to the session with questions as Commissioner Gordon will allow for a Q&A opportunity with the audience following her remarks.

Sponsored by:

Annual Business Meeting and Award Luncheon - Encore Ballroom

The NALHFA Award of Excellence is the most prestigious national recognition award in the local affordable housing finance community. The award recognizes the critical work that NALHFA members do in their local communities to provide affordable housing. Out dozens of award nominations, eleven NALHFA members are being recognized for their outstanding, innovative, and sustainable solutions. Join us as we celebrate this year’s award honorees.

Sponsored by:

Transition to Breakout Sessions

Concurrent Sessions

Policy Track: A State of Play - Latest from Washington, D.C. - Chopin 1-2

Our annual Washington Update gathers D.C. insider panelists for a conversation highlighting recent legislative priorities, regulatory rulemaking impacts for HFAs and future areas of advocacy focus. Attendees will also hear about recent Biden-Harris Administration executive actions. Panelists will engage in conversation surrounding the 2024 election cycle and how the results will affect NALHFA priority programs. Join the conversation to learn more about issues impacting HFAs and how members can become more engaged in advocacy efforts.

Facilitator:

• Josh Brandwein, Director of Government Affairs, NALHFA 

Speakers:

• Brian Daalemann, Director of External Affairs, New York City Housing Development Corporation
• Robert Henson, Senior Housing Policy Specialist, National Council of State Housing Agencies
• Caroline Zonts, Director of Communications and Strategic Engagement, Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition
• Mendy Elliot, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Flynn Giudici

Single Family Track: Innovative Initiatives in Down Payment Assistance Programs - Chopin 3-4

Join DPA professionals as they provide valuable insights on how to help buyers greater utilize and benefit from DPA programs, while also diving into how the industry can increase their efficacy in communicating DPAs through marketing strategies, new business development tactics, innovative partnerships and other creative initiatives. 

Facilitator: 

• Sue Denihan, Vice President, eHousingPlus / Housing and Development Services

Speakers: 

• Erik Nore, Director of Affordable Lending, Freddie Mac
• Jason Hubbard, Director, Stifel
• Veronica Khandelwal, Vice President of HFA Relations, Down Payment Resource

Multifamily Track: Building the Future: Innovative Strategies for Workforce Housing Development and Financing - Debussy

This session will explore the challenges, tips for execution, and case studies surrounding the critical issue of workforce housing. We hope to discuss how to navigate the complexities of regulatory hurdles, funding gaps, and address market constraints to provide actionable insights for developers, policymakers, and community stakeholders.

Facilitator:

•  Ryan Bowen, Partner, Chapman & Cutler

 Speakers:

• Robert Bitzenhofer, Vice President of Planning and Development, CMHA
• Helen Feinberg, Managing Director, RBC Capital Markets
• Nicole Graham, Co-CEO, CSG Advisors

Transition to Breakout Sessions

Concurrent Sessions

Policy Track: Expanding Your Financing Toolkit: Leveraging Federal Funding Opportunities for Affordable Deals - Chopin 1-2

As the costs to build and preserve affordable housing continue to rise at an alarming rate across the country, HFA’s need to utilize every funding source available to effectively address the nation’s affordable housing shortage. This panel of federal officials, policy experts, and practitioners will explore a series of innovative HUD financing tools that HFA’s can incorporate into their portfolios, notably the FFB HUD Risk-Sharing program (FFB) and the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP). Panelists will also share how they are leveraging non-HUD funding sources that have recently been made available to support affordable housing development, including TIFIA, RRIF, and IRA funds. Join us for this insightful conversation.

Facilitator:

• Tinru Lin, Senior Vice President for Capital Markets, New York City Housing Development Corporation

Speakers:

• Adam Cray, Vice President, CSG Advisors 
• Ethan Handelman, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Multifamily Housing Programs, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Ken Silverman, Vice President of Government Affairs, Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) of Montgomery County 
• Robert Hanifin, Project Development Lead, Build America Bureau, U.S. Department of Transportation

Single Family Track: HFAs Have Options: To Bond or Not to Bond? - Chopin 3-4

Housing experts will provide critical insights to local HFAs on various current resources and options. The session will compare the borrowing costs and execution of both MRBs and TBA, dive into sector outlook from the ratings perspective by comparing TBA versus MRBs in the single-family space, and present case studies that will allow attendees to learn from real-life examples that will allow them to take home valuable considerations and effectively implement their financial goals.

Facilitator:

• Rachel Sanchez, Vice President, Morgan Stanley 

Speakers:

• Patricia Ho, Municipal Advisor, Caine Mitter
• Ferdinand Perrault, Vice President and Senior Credit Officer, Moody's Investors Service
• Scott Riffle, Managing Director, Stifel
• Tim Wranovix, Director, Raymond James

Multifamily Track: The State of the Art 4% Executions - Debussy

Attend an in-depth discussion featuring a panel of dynamic affordable housing experts as they unpack the resulting impacts on volume cap, pipeline and walk through optimal structuring techniques, explore the strategic framework behind successful conduit multifamily housing bond issuances, and share insights on lessons learned in multifamily deals and how to help other avoid common mistakes.

Facilitator:

• Ruth Moreira, First Executive Vice President, New York City Housing Development Corporation

Speakers: 

• John Hamilton, Principal & Chief Governance Officer, CSG Advisors
• Jessica Cherepski, Senior Vice President, Originations, Merchant Capital
• Kent Neumann, Partner, Tiber Hudson
• Dirk Wallace, Partner, Novogradac & Company LLP

Offsite Networking Event

NALHFA is excited to host its annual conference offsite reception at the Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas! Let's gather together for a celebration of all we've accomplished in the past year and what's in store for the future of the affordable housing industry.

The Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas is the first German/Bavarian beer hall and restaurant in Las Vegas which creates a true Bavarian beer hall experience that is even more than a dining adventure. No ordinary restaurant, Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas is an energetic party daily, with boisterous sing-alongs, dancing in the aisles and on the benches, and premium Hofbräu beer. From its hand-painted ceilings to its imported beer and delicious food, Bavarian hospitality abounds. Guests can savor schnitzel, sausages, sauerbraten, pretzels and so much more.

Bus pick-up area is located by the Encore Self Park Garage.

Registration - Registration Desk 6 

Networking Breakfast Session - Encore Ballroom
Sponsored by: Raymond James

9:45am - 10:45am

NALHFA University Presents: Concurrent Training Workshops: Part I

The following concurrent training workshops are targeted to the following three segments of the affordable housing finance industry. Please review to determine which track compliments your experience level.

Rising Stars: This track is focused on providing expert insights to professionals who are either new to the affordable housing finance industry within the last 4 years or perhaps new to their role. If you are eager and innovative, have an appetite for the exchange of knowledge and sharing of best practices, this workshop track is for you.

Emerging Leaders: This track will enable working professionals who have been on their career path for 5+ years to come together with their unique blend of expertise and ambition in an engaging format to drive positive change and to influence the future landscape of the affordable housing finance industry.

Executive Leadership: Encompassing C-Suite Leadership and members of senior management, this track is for those with 15+ years of professional experience, bringing leadership, wisdom, and a wealth of knowledge in the affordable housing finance industry. In this workshop track, you will discuss a variety of high-level topics including management and leadership skills with fellow industry thought leaders.

Rising Stars: Introduction to Qualification Allocation Plans (QAP’s) - Chopin 1-2

Join this interactive session with experts from the National Housing Trust to learn about the largest federal source of financing for affordable housing: the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. In addition to understanding program basics, session participants will learn how Qualified Allocation Plans (QAPs) influence the preservation and construction of affordable housing. This session will share insights from National Housing Trust's examination of 53 QAPs in 2023 and showcase where states are adapting their QAPs to meet climate and equity needs. This is particularly critical given the billions of dollars available in the Inflation Reduction Act to bolster affordable housing, and in light of the pressing national housing crisis and urgency to protect existing assets. Participants will walk away with the knowledge necessary to leverage the QAP to build, preserve, and protect affordable, climate-ready housing in their state.

Discussion Facilitators:

• Laura Abernathy, Senior Director of Housing Policy, National Housing Trust
• Moha Thakur, Public Policy & Mid Atlantic Initiatives Manager, National Housing Trust  

Emerging Leaders: Cultivating the Next Generation of Future Housing Leaders: Strategies to Attract, Educate, and Develop Leaders for Tomorrow - Chopin 3-4

Future Housing Leaders' (FHL) is a free, Fannie Mae-led service that helps companies encourage wider representation within the housing industry workforce. Through casting a wide recruiting net, building relationships with colleges and universities with richly diverse student bodies, and offering learning and development opportunities, FHL builds awareness, enthusiasm, and interest to careers in the housing and real estate finance industry. We support FHL program participants by providing access to free training and industry resources that give them skills and knowledge to succeed. Participants receive the following as part of their FHL experience: Invitations to the Executive Housing Matters Speaker Series with industry leaders. Access to Fannie Mae University's Future Housing Leaders summer program. Curated learning and development opportunities. Invitations to the Executive Housing Matters Speaker Series with industry leaders. Exclusive networking opportunities with representatives from nationwide companies. Career mentorship during and after the program.

Discussion Facilitator:

• Jessica Wright, Program Manager, Future Housing Leaders, Fannie Mae

Executive Leadership: Stretching Volume Cap - Debussy

The demand for volume cap for affordable housing finance has never been greater. This interactive workshop, designed with discussion-based learning in mind, will allow attendees to explore how other housing finance agencies have stretched scarce volume cap resources through loan recycling, refinancings, taxable bonds, and other initiatives. Housing professionals will also increase their understanding of rating agency approaches, strategies, and potential credit implications. 

Discussion Facilitator:

• Patrick Johnson, Vice President, CSG Advisors
• Joanie Monaghan, Director and Lead Analyst, S&P Global

Networking Break

11:15am - 12:15pm

NALHFA University Presents: Concurrent Training Workshops: Part II

Rising Stars: Strategy for Expanding HFA Mortgage Production: Investing in Denied Applicants - Chopin 1-2

New Mortgage Pipeline Opportunity
Applicant denials are a lending reality. Unfortunately, underserved populations often make up a high percentage of rejected applicants. The session highlights program initiatives available to HFAs to either access, or replicate programs connecting denied applicants with counseling resources, and features materials that are available to train loan originators on both the opportunity and the process. Enabling denied applicants to connect with counseling resources will ultimately grow an HFA’s mortgage business pipeline and empower more disadvantaged persons/families to become homeowners.

Discussion Facilitators:

• Milt Sharp, President, eHOME America
• Angel Romero, HFA Relationship Manager, Down Payment Resource 
• Garry Throckmorton, Vice President, Business Development, eHOME America

Emerging Leaders: Finding Goldilocks: What about the missing middle? - Chopin 3-4

As most of us housers know, affordability is defined as housing for which the occupants are paying no more than 30% of their income for housing costs. What’s not as widely accepted, perhaps, is that affordability is on a spectrum and affordability is relative. From addressing homelessness to naturally occurring affordable housing stock to opportunities for homeownership, we work within a connected housing ecosystem. Challenges often stem from the lack of housing for those who don’t need assistance but can’t afford rent or buy. As housing finance agencies, we seek to deliver solutions to address current and future housing ecosystems – and for the Goldilockses of Housing (they can’t afford too much, can’t afford too little … they need affordability to be juuuuust right), what are the solutions ahead? This workshop will be an interactive (and slightly whimsical) session, focused on a segment of our communities that need our innovative approaches the most.

Discussion Facilitators:

• Katie Coleman, Communications Director, Nevada Rural Housing
• Beth Dunning, Director of Community Development, Nevada Rural Housing

Executive Leadership: Leadership Excellence Institute - Debussy

Talent for Tomorrow: Developing the Talent Within for A Strong Future
Succession planning is crucial for long-term success and sustainability of all organizations, particularly in the dynamic and critical field of housing finance. This workshop is designed to equip senior leaders in housing finance agencies to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to identify and develop future leaders within their organizations. By proactively planning for leadership transitions, agencies can ensure continuity, stability, and effectiveness in achieving their mission and goals.

This workshop is ideal for senior leaders, executives, and HR professionals in housing finance agencies who are responsible for talent management, leadership development, and organizational planning. Participants will benefit from interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises that will enhance their skills and knowledge in succession planning. Join us for an engaging and insightful workshop that will empower you to build a strong foundation for the future success of your housing finance agency!

Discussion Facilitator

• Dr. Tina Woodward, CEO & Founder, Making Daily Excellence Possible in Leadership, Culture, & Strategy, Capstone Performance Solutions, Inc.

Women in Finance Networking Luncheon & Roundtable - Encore Ballroom
Sponsored by CSG Advisors

Set Limits, Soar Limitless: Boundaries are Wings, not Walls.

Join us for an empowering and uplifting session discussing how setting boundaries can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and a healthier work-life balance.  This event is designed to inspire and celebrate the incredible strength of women who are setting boundaries and soaring to new heights in their personal and professional lives.  

Panelists:

• Kathryn Driver, Executive Director, Housing Finance Authority Pinellas County
• Elizabeth Selby, Director, Los Angeles Housing Department
• Cindy Stotler, Housing Director, Phoenix IDA 

Sponsored by: 

Affordable Housing Bus Tour (advanced registration required)
Hosted by Nevada HAND

NALHFA attendees have an incredible opportunity to tour 2 amazing developments located in the Las Vegas area. This is surely to be one of the most talked about events during the conference and you will want to be sure to plan to participate. Please note advance registration is required and space is limited. 

About Decatur Commons:

Established in 2022 by Nevada HAND, Decatur Commons Apartments consists of 480 units—240 for families and 240 for seniors. This provides high-quality, affordable housing for 811 low-income residents in Southern Nevada. Situated on a 20-acre in-fill site near Decatur Boulevard and Alta Drive, the community boasts sustainable features such as energy-efficient appliances, windows, LED lighting, solar energy, and desert landscaping.

Nevada HAND's Supportive Resident Services offer life-enriching programs and essential services in education, health and wellness, economic stability, and community engagement at no cost. Decatur Commons also provides transportation services and an on-site food pantry accessible to all senior residents.

Attendees will tour both the Decatur Commons Family apartments and the Decatur Commons Senior apartments.