Housing for All Symposium
A Symposium focused on Regional Strategies
April 30, 2024
A stable housing market with options across price points is essential to a strong, sustainable, and equitable regional economy. Join the discussion.
Overview
Throughout Massachusetts and across the country, housing costs have become a formidable problem. This is true for Greater New Bedford as well, but by acting collaboratively and with steady determination, the region can and will find ways to not just meet its housing needs but to go beyond, with a response that leads to a stronger, more inclusive, and productive economy.
This symposium is a first step in understanding our shared housing challenges and identify the opportunities to address them through regional collaboration. The symposium is one of the first action items identified in the recently published report undertaken by the New Bedford Regeneration Project Committee, Housing for All: Forward-Looking Strategies for a Growing New Bedford.
Agenda
Networking Breakfast
8:00AM – 9:00AM
Our morning begins with the wonderful views offered by the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Harbor View Gallery.
Welcome & Keynote
9:00AM – 9:45AM
A welcome by Anthony Sapienza, President of the NBEDC; opening remarks by Jon Mitchell, Mayor of New Bedford; keynote address by Ed Augustus, Secretary of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and
Livable Communities.
Housing for All Report
9:50AM – 10:20AM
The technical program begins with a summary of the report findings by Benjamin Forman, MassINC Research Director. Q&A to follow.
Break
10:20AM – 10:35AM
State Tools & Resources
10:35AM – 11:05AM
This presentation by Elise Rapoza, MassINC Senior Research Associate will offer insight into the state’s full toolbox for supporting housing development. Q&A to follow.
P3 Sustainable & Equitable Housing Strategies
11:10AM – 12:20PM A panel discussion to be moderated by Joe Kriesberg, the CEO of MassINC. Our distinguished panelists include:
- Chris Vitale, Assistant Town Administrator, Dartmouth
- Donna Davids, Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Vice-President, Massachusetts Association
of REALTORS® - Eliza Datta, Founder, E3 Development LLC
- Josh Amaral, Director of Housing and Community Development, New Bedford
- Timothy Chaves, 1st SVP/Head of Commercial Banking, Bristol County Savings Bank
Closing Remarks
12:20PM
Final thoughts and thank you to all!
Helpful Tips for the Day
- Parking is most easily found a block away from the museum at the City’s Elm Street Garage.
- A delicious light breakfast and coffee will be provided to all participants for the sign-up and networking time before we begin. After the symposium ends, be sure to check out one of many great lunch options in historic downtown New Bedford.
- A printed copy of the Housing for All report will be provided for all symposium participants.
- If you are interested in learning more about the regeneration project committee or the New Bedford Economic Development Council, be sure to find a staff member who will be happy to help and follow-up directly.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
With support from:
