Upcoming 2023 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development to Highlight Ways to Bolster Community Development into the Next Decade

• Posted on: 09/19/2023

Online Registration Remains Open Until September 20

TRENTON, NJ - The 2023 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development is poised to be a preeminent industry event for affordable housing and economic development professionals on Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29. Held at the Waterfront Conference Center at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, the annual symposium creates new paths toward community progress and development through the exchange of ideas and forging of partnerships. 

Advance registration remains open until September 20. To learn more and register for the 2023 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development, visit njhousingconference.com. Although walk-ins will be accepted at the door, online registration is strongly suggested.

More than 1,000 professionals, including community leaders, housing policy planners, asset managers, real estate developers, architects, mortgage companies, property managers, small business owners, and other individuals affiliated with healthcare organizations and service companies, are already registered to attend the annual symposium. 

The event is co-hosted by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

“The exciting lineup of speakers for this year’s conference includes staff who bring years of experience and knowledge to the panels and discussions. They will provide impactful information on topics such as eviction and homelessness prevention, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization that are making a positive difference in people’s lives,” said DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez.

Attendees will benefit from a plenary panel, keynote addresses from iconic industry leaders R. Donahue (Don) Peebles, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Peebles Corp., and Jerrod Delaine, Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Real Estate Development. Attendees can also choose from various tracks of breakout sessions to discuss effective planning strategies for strong communities and businesses, social equity in development, grant and tax incentives, and more.

"Each year the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development provides the opportunity for community stakeholders, non-profit and for-profit developers, state and local officials to convene to discuss ideas and strategies important to our communities," said NJRA President and CEO Leslie A. Anderson. “In that vein the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority raises the bar to bring to light those issues, concerns and strategies that will improve the quality of life in NJ with a particular focus on the state’s urban areas."

Attendees may also earn education credits from the National Affordable Housing Management Association, certification maintenance credits from the American Institute of City Planners and continuing legal education credits from NJRA’s Training Institute for each session pertaining to their fields.

“As we gather at this year's conference, we look forward to sharing upcoming policy changes and financing opportunities, including previews of the exciting new Urban Preservation Program and Workforce Housing Program," said NJHMFA Executive Director Melanie R. Walter. "We also anticipate a robust discussion of our comprehensive and forward-thinking revisions to the new Qualified Allocation Plan. We look forward to collaborating with our statewide partners to bring these transformative programs to fruition."

“The Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development is an ideal opportunity for business owners and community leaders to engage in productive conversations with our partners across state government that will help cement an equitable economic future for New Jersey residents,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA is investing in communities and developing creative ways to prepare businesses of all sizes for long-term growth. We look forward to discussing the resources we offer with attendees at this year’s conference.”

Atlantic City is one example of collaborative efforts to expand and diversify economic development offerings, in this case beyond casinos. During this year’s conference, a first-come, first-served bus tour will feature the newly opened Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort, Stockton University’s second Atlantic City residence hall, and other projects that are driving the economic rebirth of Atlantic City and the surrounding region.  

Another featured event will be the prestigious 2023 Governor’s Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards. The awards are presented in recognition of outstanding achievements in the fields of housing and economic development in the state of New Jersey. These awards highlight individuals, organizations, and projects that embody the core missions of the conference’s coordinating agencies. 

Advance registration remains open until September 20. To learn more and register for the 2023 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development,
visit njhousingconference.com.

 

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: