NALHFA 2026 Fall Educational Summit Schedule

Registration Open

State of Play: Washington Policy Briefing Breakfast

Before we head to Capitol Hill to engage with members of Congress, join us for an insider’s perspective on the ever-shifting political landscape in Washington and what it means for the affordable housing finance industry.

This session will explore the latest legislative and regulatory priorities impacting affordable housing while examining the political dynamics shaping the broader housing environment. Attendees will gain valuable insights into key policy issues, the outlook for Congress and the Administration, and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in the months ahead.

The discussion will help prepare participants for effective advocacy meetings on Capitol Hill and provide important context on how federal policy decisions may impact local housing finance agencies, affordable housing development and community investment efforts nationwide.

U.S. Economic Outlook & Housing Market Insights

Keynote: Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, Assistant Vice President for Forecasting & Analysis, National Association of Home Builders

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the current macroeconomic and housing market environment, focusing on the key factors shaping residential construction activity. The session will also explore the major supply-side challenges facing home builders, including elevated construction costs, labor shortages, lot availability constraints, financing conditions, regulatory hurdles and ongoing affordability pressures.

In addition, the session will conclude with the latest NAHB outlook for the housing sector, including forecasts for single-family and multifamily production, as well as key risks and opportunities facing the industry moving forward.

Coffee Break

The Path to Power: A Deep Dive into Key Senate, House, and Governors Races

Keynote: Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors Editor, The Cook Political Report

In this talk, The Cook Political Report’s Jessica Taylor provides a detailed look at the most important races that will decide the balance of power in Washington — especially in Congress. She delves into the key trends shaping upcoming elections and policymaking, and explores demographic shifts, party dynamics, the economy, social issues, and the other emerging topics that will be top of mind for voters as they make their way to the polls.

Taylor’s expertise offers a comprehensive overview of the forces driving political change from the local level to national contests, as well as how the outcomes of various scenarios stand to impact organizations and society.

Build America, Buy America: What's Next?

Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements continue to shape financing, procurement and development of affordable housing projects across the country. This session will provide attendees with the latest updates on HUD's implementation of BABA, recent federal guidance, waiver activity and ongoing policy developments affecting local HFAs.

Panelists will discuss practical compliance strategies, challenges in sourcing domestic materials, the impact of BABA on project costs and timelines, and current advocacy efforts to improve implementation. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the evolving federal requirements and the tools needed to successfully navigate BABA while advancing affordable housing development.

Speakers:

• Jessie Handforth Kome, Director, CohnReznick Advisory LLC
• Geoffrey Magon, Director, CohnReznick Advisory LLC

Affordable Housing Luncheon

Sponsored by Strategic HFC of Travis County

Featured Speaker: Mike Kingsella, Chief Executive Officer, Up for Growth

Join NALHFA for an Affordable Housing Luncheon featuring Mike Kingsella, Chief Executive Officer of Up for Growth. This engaging discussion will provide attendees with valuable federal policy insights and perspectives on the current affordable housing landscape, legislative priorities, and opportunities to strengthen housing finance and community development efforts nationwide.

What the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Means for HFAs

The enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act marks one of the most significant federal housing policy achievements in decades, advancing a wide range of reforms designed to expand affordable housing production and improve program administration.

Join for a panel discussion examining the law's key provisions affecting local HFAs, including updates to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, environmental review reforms, Housing Choice Voucher improvements, Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery, and other measures aimed at reducing barriers to housing development.

Speakers:

• Alía Fierro, Senior Policy Advisor, Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee (Minority)
• Alex Ndikum, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)
• Jared Sutton, Deputy Policy Director for Housing, Insurance and Transit, Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee (Majority)

Coffee Break

The Future of Rural Affordable Housing: Federal Policy Opportunities & Next Steps

Speaker: Mark Kudlowitz, Senior Policy Director, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Rural communities face growing housing affordability challenges, driven by rising development costs, aging housing stock, population shifts, and limited financing options. This session will examine the current federal policy landscape affecting rural affordable housing, including the status of federal appropriations for key programs and how the enactment of 21st Century ROAD to Housing will impact USDA Rural Housing Service and other relevant programs.   

New Horizons for Public Land Housing Development

Speaker: Alex Lawson, Chief Executive Officer, Jackson Redevelopment Authority

As the federal government looks to expand the nation's housing supply, underutilized public lands are emerging as a promising resource for new residential development. This session will explore the latest efforts by the HUD–Department of the Interior Joint Task Force to identify and make suitable federal properties available for housing, with an emphasis on opportunities for affordable and workforce housing.

Panelists will discuss the policy framework guiding these initiatives, the process for bringing federal land into productive use, and the partnerships needed among federal agencies, local governments, HFAs and developers to move projects from concept to construction. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of this evolving federal strategy and how it could create new opportunities to address housing shortages in communities nationwide.

Interactive Idea Exchange & Roundtable Discussion

Join leaders from local housing finance agencies across the country for an interactive roundtable discussion focused on the opportunities, challenges and emerging trends shaping the affordable housing landscape. This peer-to-peer exchange will provide participants with a forum to share innovative programs, discuss operational and policy challenges, explore financing strategies, and identify best practices for advancing affordable housing and community development initiatives.

The session is designed to foster candid conversation among housing leaders, encourage collaboration, and provide practical insights that attendees can bring back to their organizations and communities. Discussion topics may include housing production and preservation, homeownership initiatives, multifamily housing finance, federal policy developments, organizational leadership, public-private partnerships, and innovative approaches to addressing local housing needs.

Whether facing common challenges or exploring new opportunities, participants will benefit from the collective experience and expertise of their peers while strengthening relationships within the NALHFA network.

Networking Reception

Sponsored by the Housing Authority of Miami-Dade County
Location: NALHFA Headquarters Welcome Zone

Conclude the first day of the NALHFA 2026 Fall Educational Summit by joining colleagues, industry partners and affordable housing professionals from across the country at the NALHFA Networking Reception.

This reception provides attendees with an excellent opportunity to connect with local housing finance agency leaders, policymakers, developers, lenders, advisors and industry stakeholders in a relaxed and engaging setting. Whether reconnecting with longtime colleagues or building new relationships, the Networking Reception is the perfect way to conclude the first day of the Summit.

Sponsor Dinners by Invitation

Registration Open

Advocacy Day Coffee Meetup

Advocacy in Action: NALHFA Members Head to Capitol Hill

Location: Capitol Hill

As part of the Fall Educational Summit, NALHFA members will participate in Advocacy Day by meeting with congressional offices on Capitol Hill. These appointments provide an opportunity to educate policymakers about the critical role local housing finance agencies play in financing affordable housing and expanding homeownership opportunities. Members will advocate for NALHFA's federal legislative priorities while sharing local success stories and the challenges facing their communities. 

Advocacy Day Happy Hour Meetup

After a full day of meetings on Capitol Hill, join your fellow NALHFA members and the NALHFA team for a well-deserved casual and informal happy hour!