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NY Affordable Housing Summit 2026

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The Affordable Housing Summit brings together policymakers, developers, advocates, and community leaders to address the housing crisis in New York. Centered on expanding and preserving affordable housing, the summit explores solutions such as increasing supply, reforming zoning, strengthening tenant protections, advancing homeownership opportunities, and leveraging public-private partnerships. Through focused discussions and collaborative dialogue, the event aims to drive practical, scalable strategies that make housing more accessible and sustainable for New Yorkers at every income level.

Attend the Event

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Thursday, May 7, 2026

9:00 am - 3:35 pm

9:00 am - 3:35 pm

Museum of Jewish Heritage

36 Battery Place

2nd Floor Events Hall

New York, NY 10208

Museum of Jewish Heritage

36 Battery Place

2nd Floor Events Hall

New York, NY 10208

Dress Attire: 

Parking Information:

Sponsorship & Ticket Information:

Promo Image

Agenda

9 AM EDT

1 HR
9 AM EDT 1 HR

Registration & Networking Breakfast

10 AM EDT

5 MINS
10 AM EDT 5 MINS

Welcoming Remarks

10:05 AM EDT

10 MINS
10:05 AM EDT 10 MINS

Introduction to Keynote

TBD
TBD
TBD
T-Mobile
TBD
TBD
TBD
T-Mobile
TBD
TBD
TBD
T-Mobile

10:15 AM EDT

15 MINS
10:15 AM EDT 15 MINS

Keynote Speaker Remarks

RuthAnne Visnauskas
RuthAnne Visnauskas
Commissioner and CEO
New York State Homes and Community Renewal
RuthAnne Visnauskas
RuthAnne Visnauskas
Commissioner and CEO
New York State Homes and Community Renewal
RuthAnne Visnauskas
RuthAnne Visnauskas
Commissioner and CEO
New York State Homes and Community Renewal

10:30 AM EDT

5 MINS
10:30 AM EDT 5 MINS

Sponsor Remarks by New York Apartment Association

Kenny Burgos
Kenny Burgos
CEO
New York Apartment Association
Kenny Burgos
Kenny Burgos
CEO
New York Apartment Association
Kenny Burgos
Kenny Burgos
CEO
New York Apartment Association

10:35 AM EDT

1 HR
10:35 AM EDT 1 HR

Affordable Housing Trends in NY

Stacy Bliagos (Moderator)
Stacy Bliagos (Moderator)
Executive Director
HANAC
Seth Bynum
Seth Bynum
Senior Advisor for Housing Policy and Development
Deputy Mayor for Housing + Planning
Edith Hsu-Chen
Edith Hsu-Chen
Executive Director
New York City Department of City Planning
David Quart
David Quart
Principal/ Northeast Markets Development Lead
VHB
Simon Kawitzky
Simon Kawitzky
Senior Vice President, Real Estate
Volunteers of America-Greater New York
Kieran Harrington
Kieran Harrington
CEO
RiseBoro Community Partnership

This panel examines state-level affordable housing trends across New York’s urban, suburban,] and rural communities. Amid rising rents and limited supply, leadership under Governor Hochul is key to unlocking resources, reforming regulations, and accelerating production. Experts from government, housing agencies, and the private sector will discuss funding, capital initiatives, zoning reforms, financing models, and community-driven strategies—along with how these efforts align with Mayor Mandani’s priorities on tenant protections, housing justice, and public investment to advance equitable, long-term housing outcomes statewide.

Stacy Bliagos (Moderator)
Stacy Bliagos (Moderator)
Executive Director
HANAC
Seth Bynum
Seth Bynum
Senior Advisor for Housing Policy and Development
Deputy Mayor for Housing + Planning
Edith Hsu-Chen
Edith Hsu-Chen
Executive Director
New York City Department of City Planning
David Quart
David Quart
Principal/ Northeast Markets Development Lead
VHB
Simon Kawitzky
Simon Kawitzky
Senior Vice President, Real Estate
Volunteers of America-Greater New York
Kieran Harrington
Kieran Harrington
CEO
RiseBoro Community Partnership

This panel examines state-level affordable housing trends across New York’s urban, suburban,] and rural communities. Amid rising rents and limited supply, leadership under Governor Hochul is key to unlocking resources, reforming regulations, and accelerating production. Experts from government, housing agencies, and the private sector will discuss funding, capital initiatives, zoning reforms, financing models, and community-driven strategies—along with how these efforts align with Mayor Mandani’s priorities on tenant protections, housing justice, and public investment to advance equitable, long-term housing outcomes statewide.

Stacy Bliagos (Moderator)
Seth Bynum
+4
4 more speakers

This panel examines state-level affordable housing trends across New York’s urban, suburban,] and rural communities. Amid rising rents and limited supply, leadership under Governor Hochul is key to unlocking resources, reforming regulations, and accelerating production. Experts from government, housing agencies, and the private sector will discuss funding, capital initiatives, zoning reforms, financing models, and community-driven strategies—along with how these efforts align with Mayor Mandani’s priorities on tenant protections, housing justice, and public investment to advance equitable, long-term housing outcomes statewide.

Stacy Bliagos (Moderator)
Stacy Bliagos (Moderator)
Executive Director
HANAC
Seth Bynum
Seth Bynum
Senior Advisor for Housing Policy and Development
Deputy Mayor for Housing + Planning
Edith Hsu-Chen
Edith Hsu-Chen
Executive Director
New York City Department of City Planning
David Quart
David Quart
Principal/ Northeast Markets Development Lead
VHB
Simon Kawitzky
Simon Kawitzky
Senior Vice President, Real Estate
Volunteers of America-Greater New York
Kieran Harrington
Kieran Harrington
CEO
RiseBoro Community Partnership

This panel examines state-level affordable housing trends across New York’s urban, suburban,] and rural communities. Amid rising rents and limited supply, leadership under Governor Hochul is key to unlocking resources, reforming regulations, and accelerating production. Experts from government, housing agencies, and the private sector will discuss funding, capital initiatives, zoning reforms, financing models, and community-driven strategies—along with how these efforts align with Mayor Mandani’s priorities on tenant protections, housing justice, and public investment to advance equitable, long-term housing outcomes statewide.

Stacy Bliagos (Moderator)
Seth Bynum
+4
4 more speakers

11:35 AM EDT

1 HR
11:35 AM EDT 1 HR

Affordable Housing Solutions for New York's Cities and Counties

Ron	Abad (Moderator)
Ron Abad (Moderator)
CEO
Community Housing Innovations, Inc
Dina	Levy
Dina Levy
Commissioner
NYC Housing Preservation & Development
Blanca Lopez
Blanca Lopez
Commissioner
Westchester Department of Planning
Daniel P. McCoy
Daniel P. McCoy
County Executive
Albany County
Vanessa L. Gibson
Vanessa L. Gibson
Bronx Borough President
City of New York
Elaine Mahoney
Elaine Mahoney
Director of Housing Development, and Organizing
Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation

New York faces urgent housing challenges; growing populations in cities, suburbs, and counties struggle to find stable, affordable homes. This panel will focus on practical, community-level solutions to expand access, preserve affordability, and reduce financial burdens. Panelists will address rising rents, income inequality, limited housing stock, and the impact of utility, property tax, and home insurance costs. Discussions will explore zoning reforms, policy initiatives, creative financing models, and programs supporting home maintenance and repairs. Attendees will gain actionable insights for local leaders seeking sustainable, equitable, and locally tailored housing strategies.

Ron	Abad (Moderator)
Ron Abad (Moderator)
CEO
Community Housing Innovations, Inc
Dina	Levy
Dina Levy
Commissioner
NYC Housing Preservation & Development
Blanca Lopez
Blanca Lopez
Commissioner
Westchester Department of Planning
Daniel P. McCoy
Daniel P. McCoy
County Executive
Albany County
Vanessa L. Gibson
Vanessa L. Gibson
Bronx Borough President
City of New York
Elaine Mahoney
Elaine Mahoney
Director of Housing Development, and Organizing
Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation

New York faces urgent housing challenges; growing populations in cities, suburbs, and counties struggle to find stable, affordable homes. This panel will focus on practical, community-level solutions to expand access, preserve affordability, and reduce financial burdens. Panelists will address rising rents, income inequality, limited housing stock, and the impact of utility, property tax, and home insurance costs. Discussions will explore zoning reforms, policy initiatives, creative financing models, and programs supporting home maintenance and repairs. Attendees will gain actionable insights for local leaders seeking sustainable, equitable, and locally tailored housing strategies.

Ron	Abad (Moderator)
Dina	Levy
+4
4 more speakers

New York faces urgent housing challenges; growing populations in cities, suburbs, and counties struggle to find stable, affordable homes. This panel will focus on practical, community-level solutions to expand access, preserve affordability, and reduce financial burdens. Panelists will address rising rents, income inequality, limited housing stock, and the impact of utility, property tax, and home insurance costs. Discussions will explore zoning reforms, policy initiatives, creative financing models, and programs supporting home maintenance and repairs. Attendees will gain actionable insights for local leaders seeking sustainable, equitable, and locally tailored housing strategies.

Ron	Abad (Moderator)
Ron Abad (Moderator)
CEO
Community Housing Innovations, Inc
Dina	Levy
Dina Levy
Commissioner
NYC Housing Preservation & Development
Blanca Lopez
Blanca Lopez
Commissioner
Westchester Department of Planning
Daniel P. McCoy
Daniel P. McCoy
County Executive
Albany County
Vanessa L. Gibson
Vanessa L. Gibson
Bronx Borough President
City of New York
Elaine Mahoney
Elaine Mahoney
Director of Housing Development, and Organizing
Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation

New York faces urgent housing challenges; growing populations in cities, suburbs, and counties struggle to find stable, affordable homes. This panel will focus on practical, community-level solutions to expand access, preserve affordability, and reduce financial burdens. Panelists will address rising rents, income inequality, limited housing stock, and the impact of utility, property tax, and home insurance costs. Discussions will explore zoning reforms, policy initiatives, creative financing models, and programs supporting home maintenance and repairs. Attendees will gain actionable insights for local leaders seeking sustainable, equitable, and locally tailored housing strategies.

Ron	Abad (Moderator)
Dina	Levy
+4
4 more speakers

12:35 PM EDT

1 HR
12:35 PM EDT 1 HR

Lunch

1:35 PM EDT

1 HR
1:35 PM EDT 1 HR

The Affordable Housing Construction Pipeline

Pierre Vilain (Moderator)
Pierre Vilain (Moderator)
Managing Director
KPMG
Will Innes
Will Innes
Deputy Commissioner for Housing Acceleration
NYS Homes & Community Renewal
Jenny Gillette
Jenny Gillette
Chief Project Officer
New York City Housing Preservation Trust
Richard Ross
Richard Ross
Director of Housing Development and Capital Projects
HANAC, Inc.
Ahmed Tigani
Ahmed Tigani
Commissioner
NYC Buildings Department
David Shamshovich
David Shamshovich
Partner, Co-Chair, Tax Exemptions and Zoning Incentives Practice
Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP

This panel explores how New York is accelerating affordable housing construction to meet urgent statewide needs. Policymakers, developers, and industry leaders will address zoning, permitting, and financing barriers, while highlighting the Pro-Housing Community Program, public-private partnerships, and climate-resilient innovations. Panelists will also discuss long-term maintenance strategies and how these efforts align with Governor Hochul and Mayor Mandani’s goals to expand supply, reduce bottlenecks, and deliver safe, high-quality homes statewide.

Pierre Vilain (Moderator)
Pierre Vilain (Moderator)
Managing Director
KPMG
Will Innes
Will Innes
Deputy Commissioner for Housing Acceleration
NYS Homes & Community Renewal
Jenny Gillette
Jenny Gillette
Chief Project Officer
New York City Housing Preservation Trust
Richard Ross
Richard Ross
Director of Housing Development and Capital Projects
HANAC, Inc.
Ahmed Tigani
Ahmed Tigani
Commissioner
NYC Buildings Department
David Shamshovich
David Shamshovich
Partner, Co-Chair, Tax Exemptions and Zoning Incentives Practice
Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP

This panel explores how New York is accelerating affordable housing construction to meet urgent statewide needs. Policymakers, developers, and industry leaders will address zoning, permitting, and financing barriers, while highlighting the Pro-Housing Community Program, public-private partnerships, and climate-resilient innovations. Panelists will also discuss long-term maintenance strategies and how these efforts align with Governor Hochul and Mayor Mandani’s goals to expand supply, reduce bottlenecks, and deliver safe, high-quality homes statewide.

Pierre Vilain (Moderator)
Will Innes
+4
4 more speakers

This panel explores how New York is accelerating affordable housing construction to meet urgent statewide needs. Policymakers, developers, and industry leaders will address zoning, permitting, and financing barriers, while highlighting the Pro-Housing Community Program, public-private partnerships, and climate-resilient innovations. Panelists will also discuss long-term maintenance strategies and how these efforts align with Governor Hochul and Mayor Mandani’s goals to expand supply, reduce bottlenecks, and deliver safe, high-quality homes statewide.

Pierre Vilain (Moderator)
Pierre Vilain (Moderator)
Managing Director
KPMG
Will Innes
Will Innes
Deputy Commissioner for Housing Acceleration
NYS Homes & Community Renewal
Jenny Gillette
Jenny Gillette
Chief Project Officer
New York City Housing Preservation Trust
Richard Ross
Richard Ross
Director of Housing Development and Capital Projects
HANAC, Inc.
Ahmed Tigani
Ahmed Tigani
Commissioner
NYC Buildings Department
David Shamshovich
David Shamshovich
Partner, Co-Chair, Tax Exemptions and Zoning Incentives Practice
Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP

This panel explores how New York is accelerating affordable housing construction to meet urgent statewide needs. Policymakers, developers, and industry leaders will address zoning, permitting, and financing barriers, while highlighting the Pro-Housing Community Program, public-private partnerships, and climate-resilient innovations. Panelists will also discuss long-term maintenance strategies and how these efforts align with Governor Hochul and Mayor Mandani’s goals to expand supply, reduce bottlenecks, and deliver safe, high-quality homes statewide.

Pierre Vilain (Moderator)
Will Innes
+4
4 more speakers

2:35 PM EDT

1 HR
2:35 PM EDT 1 HR

Building Safe, Affordable Homes for Every New Yorker

Peter Sterne (Moderator)
Peter Sterne (Moderator)
State Editor
City & State NY
Samantha Pearce
Samantha Pearce
VP of Sustainability
NYS Homes & Community Renewal
Leora Jontef
Leora Jontef
Assistant Vice President of Housing and Real Estate
NYC Health + Hospitals
Arvind Sohoni
Arvind Sohoni
Executive Vice President of Strategy & Innovation
New York City Housing Authority
Dr. Xellex Rivera
Dr. Xellex Rivera
Chief Program Officer
Housing Solutions New York, Inc

This panel explores how affordable housing can strengthen communities across New York by promoting stability, sustainability, and health. Panelists will discuss expanding homeownership, advancing energy-efficient upgrades and smart technologies, enhancing social services, and modernizing public housing. The conversation will also address eviction prevention, right-to counsel protections, and strategies to preserve affordability—highlighting how holistic housing policies can foster resilience, reduce homelessness, and create equitable outcomes for all New Yorkers.

Peter Sterne (Moderator)
Peter Sterne (Moderator)
State Editor
City & State NY
Samantha Pearce
Samantha Pearce
VP of Sustainability
NYS Homes & Community Renewal
Leora Jontef
Leora Jontef
Assistant Vice President of Housing and Real Estate
NYC Health + Hospitals
Arvind Sohoni
Arvind Sohoni
Executive Vice President of Strategy & Innovation
New York City Housing Authority
Dr. Xellex Rivera
Dr. Xellex Rivera
Chief Program Officer
Housing Solutions New York, Inc

This panel explores how affordable housing can strengthen communities across New York by promoting stability, sustainability, and health. Panelists will discuss expanding homeownership, advancing energy-efficient upgrades and smart technologies, enhancing social services, and modernizing public housing. The conversation will also address eviction prevention, right-to counsel protections, and strategies to preserve affordability—highlighting how holistic housing policies can foster resilience, reduce homelessness, and create equitable outcomes for all New Yorkers.

Peter Sterne (Moderator)
Samantha Pearce
+3
3 more speakers

This panel explores how affordable housing can strengthen communities across New York by promoting stability, sustainability, and health. Panelists will discuss expanding homeownership, advancing energy-efficient upgrades and smart technologies, enhancing social services, and modernizing public housing. The conversation will also address eviction prevention, right-to counsel protections, and strategies to preserve affordability—highlighting how holistic housing policies can foster resilience, reduce homelessness, and create equitable outcomes for all New Yorkers.

Peter Sterne (Moderator)
Peter Sterne (Moderator)
State Editor
City & State NY
Samantha Pearce
Samantha Pearce
VP of Sustainability
NYS Homes & Community Renewal
Leora Jontef
Leora Jontef
Assistant Vice President of Housing and Real Estate
NYC Health + Hospitals
Arvind Sohoni
Arvind Sohoni
Executive Vice President of Strategy & Innovation
New York City Housing Authority
Dr. Xellex Rivera
Dr. Xellex Rivera
Chief Program Officer
Housing Solutions New York, Inc

This panel explores how affordable housing can strengthen communities across New York by promoting stability, sustainability, and health. Panelists will discuss expanding homeownership, advancing energy-efficient upgrades and smart technologies, enhancing social services, and modernizing public housing. The conversation will also address eviction prevention, right-to counsel protections, and strategies to preserve affordability—highlighting how holistic housing policies can foster resilience, reduce homelessness, and create equitable outcomes for all New Yorkers.

Peter Sterne (Moderator)
Samantha Pearce
+3
3 more speakers

3:35 PM EDT

3:35 PM EDT

Sessions Conclude

Underwriters

Gold

Bronze

Partner