Housing conference to bring 500 to Springfield

The Sept. 28–29 event at University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center is expected to draw about 500 housing professionals to the city.

“This is a great opportunity for the people of Springfield to showcase our own downtown revitalization efforts and highlight what our city has to offer,” said Rob Fulp, president of The Signature Bank and vice chairman of MHDC, in a news release.

The Missouri Housing Development Commission is sponsoring the conference in partnership with state agencies, social service providers and professional associations.

On the event’s first day, national housing expert Nicolas Retsinas, who is director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, will give a keynote address. That day’s seminars will include: The Economy: A Closer Look at Interest Rates, Construction Costs and Inflation; How Much Longer Can High Federal LIHTC Pricing Last?; All About the DREAM Initiative; Energy Efficiency and Green Building; Homelessness in America; Partners for Affordable Housing; The Changing Face of Missouri; and What’s New in Rental Production.

The second day will begin with The Chairman’s Hour, led by MHDC Chairman and State Treasurer Sarah Steelman, on elderly housing needs in Missouri. That will be followed by the presentation of the Governor’s Awards for Affordable Housing at a luncheon.

For more information or to register for the event, visit www.mhdc.com.

The housing commission consists of Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Steelman, Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon and six commissioners, including Fulp and Loren Cook II from Springfield.