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Unlocking Housing in Unlikely Places

Wed Feb 26 10:30 AM — 11:30 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time Hilton Atlanta, Grand Ballroom A, Level 2

This session will explore how houses of worship can help address the housing crisis by leveraging faith-owned land to develop affordable housing. Partnerships between faith organizations and developers can lead to innovative projects that align with religious missions while expanding housing supply, especially in high cost areas. However, these projects can be complex and difficult to execute. Panelists will share successful models of faith-based land development, best practices, and strategies for overcoming barriers such as zoning, financing, and community concerns.


Speakers

Moderator

Chief Executive Officer Atlanta Urban Development

John Majors serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUD), a partnership between Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens Housing Innovation Lab and Atlanta Housing. AUD was organized to accelerate the redevelopment of publicly-owned land into mixed income housing without reliance on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, and explore innovative solutions to the financing, design, and construction of these communities.…
Panelist

Executive Director Bricks and Mortals

Executive Director of NYC based non-profit Bricks and Mortals, Kate Toth is a leading player in the world of New York City housing, government, and faith-based real estate. At Bricks and Mortals, Kate Toth directs an organization dedicated to providing houses of faith the tools they need to navigate the challenges of operating in New York, and optimize sustainable solutions unique to the five boroughs.…
Panelist

Trustee Church of God in Christ

Darin Burns has led numerous economic and real estate development projects in the United State and abroad. He coordinates the entire value chain from project concept to implementation. He is an accomplished global corporate leader with 36 years of experience across all areas of the product value chain. He holds a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor's degree…
Panelist

Broker OnPace Partners

Scott is a Broker with OnPace Partners, an Atlanta-based real estate brokerage firm offering a wide variety of real estate services. Scott co-leads the Land team with partners Jamie Smithson and Conor Welton. The Land team transacts on land and development sites throughout the southeastern United States. Prior to OnPace, Scott was a Managing Director in JLL’s Southeast Land Investment Advisory Team in Atlanta. There…
Panelist

Executive Director Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center

Wesley E. Myrick is the Executive Director of the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center (The Center), where he leads a statewide mission to unite Georgia’s diverse faith communities in advocating for the common good. Known for his strategic insight and ability to connect seemingly unrelated people and processes, Wesley works tirelessly to amplify faith voices in critical policy discussions on issues ranging from affordable housing…

Hilton Atlanta
Atlanta, GA, UNITED STATES

February 25-26, 2025

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