This session reviews a range of creative approaches for financing affordable housing, including low-cost revolving loans that take a property from construction to stabilization, reducing the need for costly equity, and a non-contiguous tax increment financing district in Baltimore that provides funding for redeveloping vacant properties for residential use. The session will also discuss ideas for improving the yield on Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. 

Addressing the nation’s housing challenges requires cross-sector collaboration and creative alignment between the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. This session explores how partnerships are accelerating housing solutions—from funding and technical assistance to local implementation. Panelists will share how their organizations are leveraging resources, expertise, and networks to increase and preserve affordable housing supply.

As the housing affordability and supply challenge grows ever more urgent, artificial intelligence is emerging not just as a buzzword but as a transformative force in how we plan, build, and operate communities. This panel brings together three cutting-edge practitioners to explore how AI is reshaping different stages of the housing development lifecycle. But, as the panel will explore, technology alone is not enough — success depends on operational discipline, quality data, cross-organizational alignment, and a clear understanding of where AI adds the greatest value.

Offsite construction has the potential to produce high-quality homes that sell or rent at prices affordable to moderate-income households without a subsidy. Hear from two nonprofit practitioners and a state government official about how they are using offsite construction to achieve this goal and working to scale-up their efforts to expand their impact. The session will discuss a range of production methods but focus in particular on single-family manufactured homes (i.e., conform to the HUD Code) with added site-built features, including a pitched roof and a site-built garage and porch, that make them look and feel very similar to site-built homes. These include homes that meet the CrossMod and Next Step standards.

Homeownership remains one of the most powerful pathways to building wealth and stability—yet for many families, it feels out of reach. This dynamic panel brings together experts who are transforming that reality through community-driven approaches that revitalize neighborhoods while preventing displacement, expand access, and create inclusive opportunities. From restoring abandoned homes to developing mixed-income communities and advancing models that make homeownership affordable, these leaders will share practical solutions and inspiring stories that unlock the dream of homeownership for all.

This session showcases three innovative housing projects that advance both sustainability and affordability, creating resilient homes for the future. Featured examples include net-zero single-family homes in West Baltimore and the world’s largest affordable residential Passive House building, serving 700+ families in East Harlem. Each case study demonstrates how design, mission-driven partnerships, and sustainability intersect to deliver lasting impact. Hear from project leaders about the challenges they overcame and the opportunities ahead for achieving dual goals of affordability and sustainability.

Exploring Baltimore’s waterfront, its past, present and future. Guests will view and learn about new and future mixed-use retail and housing developments along the shoreline in addition to gaining an understanding of its historical and industrial past, waterfront neighborhoods, transportation infrastructure, and the role it plays as a significant port along the eastern seaboard. Stops include: Harbor Point, Harbor East, Harbor Place, Baltimore Peninsula, and the new Under Armour Campus. 

Note: This tour will take place on a Water Taxi in the Baltimore Harbor and a waiver will be required for participation. 

Exploring homeless to housed models in Baltimore—one model as a tax credit financed rental building that includes on-site supportive services and a second model that is privately funded for affordable home ownership. 

Exploring inclusive redevelopment models in Baltimore—revitalization without displacement, mixed-income housing, and community-driven planning. Stops include: Johnston Square, Somerset (Oldtown), and Perkins.