2026 Northeast Housing Summit

Housing Data, Research & Emerging Trends Track

10:15 – 10:45: Spatial Analysis for Housing Strategies

• Speakers: Harry Crissy, Penn State Extension
• Abstract: This program explores geospatial data to identify opportunities to improve available community housing stock.

10:45 – 11:15: Statewide Zoning Reform and Housing Production: The Initial Impact of Maine’s LD 2003

• Speakers: Kelsi G. Hobbs and Rebecca Bian, University of Maine
• We examine the initial impact of Maine’s statewide zoning reform (LD 2003) on housing production. Initial results suggest no overall change in housing production, but a shift away from single family production toward multifamily. These results indicate that Maine’s statewide zoning reform may be changing housing production preferences.

11:15 – 11:30 Q&A + transition

Partnerships, Programs & Community Impact Track

10:15 – 10:45: Florida’s Land-Grant Universities: Scaling Housing Education and Impact

• Speakers: Lisa Hamilton, Jenny Rodriguez, Melanie Taylor, Giovanna Benitez, Cyndi Longley, Katherine Allen, Halie Corbitt, Terri Keith, Stephanie McMinds, Natasha Parks, Cindi Hetz, Judy Corbus, Jill Breslawski, Laura Valencia, Clair Davis, and Kimberly McMahon- all from UF/IFAS Extension;  and Carla Adams-Lippett and Cheyenne Martin, from Florida A&M University
• Abstract: Florida’s two land-grant universities — UF/IFAS Extension and FAMU Cooperative Extension — have partnered to expand housing affordability education across 41 counties, reaching 1,589 participants. Their collaboration extends outreach into underserved communities, with 30% of homebuyer participants purchasing homes and 81% of renter participants avoiding eviction.

10:45 – 11:15: PVAMU GAP Assistance Initiative: An Inspired Reimagining of Cross-Sector Homeownership Education Through Collaborative Partnerships and Transformative Housing Capacity Building

• Speaker: Dr. Shanta Harrison, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU)
• Abstract: PVAMU Extension’s Community and Economic Development Unit addresses USDA Rural Development service gaps through Application Days, housing counseling, financial education, and packaging assistance. This cross-sector partnership improves application outcomes, expands access to homeownership resources, and strengthens pathways to affordable homeownership for underserved rural Texans.

11:15 – 11:30 Q&A + transition

Planning, Policy & Housing Innovation Track

10:15 – 10:45: Planning for Agriculture & Housing in New Hampshire

• Speakers: Noah Hodgetts, NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs; Sarah Wrightsman, New Hampshire Housing; Jamie Pottern, American Farmland Trust
• Abstract: This session will highlight the NH Housing & Farmland Protection Workgroup, formed in October 2025 and the development of an interactive toolkit of win-win solutions. The workgroup brings together housing professionals, planners, farmland conservation leaders, developers, and policy advocates to address the intersection of housing development and agricultural land protection.

10:45 – 11:15: Housing Preferences and Affordability Relevant to Tennessee Rural Gentrification: Evidence from a Choice Experiment

• Speakers: Sreedhar Upendram, University of Tennessee; James Mingie, University of Tennessee; Serkan Varol, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga; Charlie Mix, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga; Serkan Catma, University of South Carolina-Beaufort
• Abstract: This study examines how respondents trade off housing composition, neighborhood, natural amenities, community, and housing costs, with attention to rural gentrification pressures in Tennessee. The findings suggest that rural gentrification may be shaped not only by spatial spillovers and land conversion, but also by preference-driven demand for low-density residential environments with access to services, with implications for housing affordability, land-use planning, and displacement risk.

11:15 – 11:30 Q&A + transition

Housing Data, Research & Emerging Trends Track

11:45 -12:15 :  From Maps to Policy: How the NH Zoning Atlas Catalyzed Statewide Zoning Reform

• Speakers: Elissa Margolin, Initiative for Housing Policy and Practice; Noah Hodgetts, New Hampshire Office of Business and Economic Affairs; Nick Taylor, Housing Action NH; Rick Lederer-Barnes, Upstate GIS
• Abstract: The NH Zoning Atlas transformed the conversation about housing and land use in New Hampshire by providing the first comprehensive statewide picture of local zoning regulations and infrastructure capacity. This session explores how researchers, state agencies, and advocates used the Atlas to identify regulatory barriers, inform legislation, strengthen public understanding, and advance evidence-based housing policy, offering lessons for states across the Northeast.

12:15-12:45 Measuring the Impacts of Short-Term Rentals on Affordable Housing and Community Vitality in Rural Tourism Destinations in the Northeast

• Speakers: Doug Arbogast and Daniel Eades, West Virginia University Extension; Daniel Centuriao, Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development; David Nason and Heather Stephens, Regional Research Institute, West Virginia University; Jacquelyn Strager, Natural Resource Analysis Center and Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, West Viriginia University
• Abstract: This presentation shares preliminary findings from a multi-state study examining relationships among short-term rentals, housing conditions, and tourism across the Northeast. Using AirDNA and secondary data, we identify emerging patterns and discuss how Extension professionals and community leaders can use data to inform housing planning, research, and policy discussions.

12:45 – transition back to main room

Partnerships, Programs & Community Impact Track

11:45 – 12:15 Housing for Efficient, Affordable, Resilient Thriving Communities

• Speakers: Linda Shi (presenting), Christa Daniels, Sharon Klein, Susanne Moser, Erich Osterberg
• Abstract: Extreme disasters exacerbate the ongoing housing crises in the Northeast. This presentation shares how research, policy experimentation, and collaborative practice can help the region develop Housing for Efficient, Affordable, Resilient THriving communities regionwide (HEARTH).

12:15-12:45: Energy+: A Collaborative Effort to Study and Develop Best Practices for Energy Efficient Retrofits and New Builds in Affordable Housing

• Speakers: Morgan Wasikonis, The HOME Foundation; Colleen Ritter, State College Community Land Trust; Lisa Iulo, Penn State Hamer Center for Community Design; Rachel Fawcett, Pennsylvania Housing Research Center
• Abstract: Since 2017, Energy+ has advanced energy efficient housing as a necessity for low- to moderate-income households in State College, PA. A dedicated cross sector group of practitioners including Community Based Organizations, municipal leaders, and Penn State-affiliated researchers prioritize cost savings and health benefits through data-driven, energy efficient design in housing rehabilitation programs and new construction.

12:45 – transition back to main room

Planning, Policy & Housing Innovation Track

11:45-12:15 NH’s Housing Opportunity Planning Grant (HOP) Program and NH Housing Academy: Building partnerships for a multi tiered approach to the housing crisis

• Speakers: George Reagan, NH Housing; Sarah Wrightsman, NH Housing; Sue Cagle, UNH Extension; Scott Slattery, UNH Extension
• Abstract: This session will explore the development and implementation of the Housing Opportunity Planning Grant Program and NH Housing Academy program.   Program activities, impacts, and lessons learned will be highlighted.

12:15-12:45 Housing Opportunity Planning Grant (HOP) Program Case Studies: Successes and Lessons Learned from local community’s efforts to implement change

• Speakers: George Reagan, NH Housing; Sarah Wrightsman, NH Housing; Sue Cagle, UNH Extension; Scott Slattery, UNH Extension; John Christ, UNH Extension
• Abstract: These case studies from communities that participated in the NH Housing Opportunities Planning Grant (HOP) program will highlight successes, challenges, and lessons learned, offering insight and strategies for communities considering similar initiatives.

12:45 – transition back to main room

Panel Discussion: Housing Across the Northeast — State Priorities and Polices

• Speakers to be announced soon.