Agenda

Day 1 | September 5, 2024

9:30 a.m. | Registration Opens

9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. | Continental Breakfast

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Welcome and Keynote Address

David Bennett, president, Centrant Community Capital, Raleigh
Samuel Gunter, executive director, NC Housing Coalition, Durham
Scott Farmer, executive Director, NC Housing Finance Agency, Raleigh

LeVelle Moton
LeVelle Moton is the CEO and founder of the Velle Cares Foundation. The Velle Cares Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to serve and assist community-based organizations that promote health, education and life skills for children and families in at-risk situations. Each year, LeVelle Moton hosts annual events such as the “Back to School Community Day Event” and the “Single Mother Salute” amongst others to enrich and give back to his community.

A 1996 graduate of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) with a bachelor’s degree in recreation administration, Moton became the school’s third all-time leading scorer with 1,714 points during his historic hardwood career as an Eagle from 1992-96, earning the nickname “Poetry `n Moton.”

On March 25, 2009, arguably one of the greatest players in school history was elevated from assistant coach to the position of head coach, becoming the 17th person to be named in that spot in the program’s history.

In his time at NCCU, Moton has won eight championships, 11 coach of the year awards and a USA gold medal. Most recently, he coached his 2019-2020 team to a MEAC regular season championship.

12:15–1:45 p.m. | Housing North Carolina Awards Luncheon

Join us for the 2024 Housing North Carolina Awards luncheon. The 35-year-old Housing North Carolina Awards honor the very best in affordable housing development. Recognition is given in the following categories: Rental Development, Home Ownership Impact (Development), Home Ownership Impact (Rehabilitation) and Supportive Housing.

Stay tuned after the awards show for a special video celebrating the NC Housing Finance Agency’s 50th Anniversary.

Scott Farmer, executive director, NC Housing Finance Agency, Raleigh

1:45–2:00 p.m. | Break

2:00–3:15 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

Understanding and Navigating the Multifamily Insurance Market

Owners and developers of affordable multifamily housing are facing unprecedented challenges obtaining and renewing property and casualty insurance. No longer contained to high-risk markets, significant premium increases and coverage limitations are impacting the development and operation of properties across the state. Our panelists’ discussion will examine the cause of these market challenges, how developers and investors are responding and emerging strategies for managing risk and cost increases.

Chris Clemmons (moderator), senior vice president, director of affordable housing, First Bank, Greensboro; Tim Morgan, president, Evergreen Construction Company, Raleigh; Nancy Pearce, risk manager, CAHEC, Raleigh; and David Robinson, risk advisor, Scott Insurance, Greensboro

Housing Credit 101

Want to learn more about the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)? Curious about the current state of the program and what lies ahead? Take a crash course in LIHTC during this session to learn more about the process, the players and the impact of this critically important affordable housing program.

Rebecca Darling and Chris Key, partners, Novogradac & Company, LLP, Atlanta

Hot Topics in Housing Credit Compliance

In this session, take a look at some of the emerging hot topics that are impacting compliance within the multifamily program funded by the NC Housing Finance Agency. Additionally, this session will take a look at the new HOTMA and NSPIRE policies, the Agency’s implementing of these new policies, trends and best practices.

Steven James, senior compliance monitor, NC Housing Finance Agency, Raleigh

Understanding Mortgage Loan Product Options

Join in to hear from industry investors themselves! Fannie Mae, FHA, Freddie Mac and USDA will inform attendees on mortgage loan products available for low to moderate income home buyers, to include underwriting criteria for the Community Land Trust, existing manufactured housing, appraisal issues, ADUs and more.

William Kenney, director of housing programs, rural development, USDA, Raleigh; James Hall, affordable lending manager, mission and community engagement, single family division, Freddie Mac, McLean, Va.; and Michael Wittman, credit chief and Benjamin Smith, senior tech appraiser, Atlanta Homeownership Center, HUD, Atlanta

NCDHHS Strategic Planning and ICCHP Listening Session

The North Carolina Interagency Council for Coordinating Homelessness Programs (ICCHP) was created by executive order to advise the governor on policies related to housing people who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, identify and secure resources, promote evidence-based practices and make recommendations for short- and long-term policy initiatives. This session will also be an opportunity for attendees to provide feedback to inform the ongoing work of the ICCHP.

Laura Hogshead, director, NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR), Raleigh; and Josh Walker, Olmstead housing director, health equity portfolio, Office of the Secretary, NC Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh

Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Development and Preservation

Rural housing markets are not one-size-fits-all. Affordable housing development in rural areas can pose different challenges and new opportunities. Join in on the discussion to learn a range of affordable housing solutions that work in rural North Carolina counties for homeowner rehab, rental housing and home ownership.

Speakers TBD

3:15–3:30 p.m. | Break

3:30–4:45 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

The Latest in Fair Housing

During this session, learn the latest updates in the world of Fair Housing and key elements for practitioners, policy makers and advocates to consider as part of their work.

Lauren Brasil, co-director and managing attorney; and Peter Gilbert, supervising attorney, Fair Housing Project of Legal Aid of NC, Raleigh

Updates in Housing Counseling

At this annual gathering for the NC Housing Coalition’s HUD Intermediary Network of Housing Counselors, attendees will receive information about the new housing counseling VISTA program, HUD Homeownership Program and CMS development updates. Learn key updates on the HUD Intermediary Network and ask questions and share feedback on how to best strengthen housing counseling across the state.

Stacie Darden, deputy director and Hudson Vaughan, director of the Community Justice Collaborative, NC Housing Coalition, Durham; Sherika Eskridge, housing program manager, Cleveland County CDC, Shelby; and Hudson Vaughan, director of the community justice collaborative, NC Housing Coalition, Durham.

Sharing is Caring: Community Land Trusts and Shared Ownership Models

This panel will discuss shared equity models of affordable housing including community land trusts and resident owned communities. These models of affordable housing can increase the supply of affordable homes, keep existing homes affordable and empower residents. Panelists from rural and urban areas will discuss the policy of these models and provide case studies of successful implementation in North Carolina.

Sherry Taylor, executive director, Durham Community Land Trustees, Durham; additional panelists TBD

Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Affordable Housing Programs

Join the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta to learn about its Affordable Housing Program, including the grant funds available for down payment assistance and for development of multifamily and single-family affordable housing. Other FHLBank Atlanta initiatives and new programs that can be utilized to solve affordable housing issues in communities across North Carolina will also be discussed.

Maxima Sims, manager, home ownership team, Federal Home Loan Bank, Atlanta

Annual Developers Workshop

This intensive workshop outlines proposed changes to the 2025 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) and explains how applications for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits will be evaluated in 2025. Learn what you need to know to apply next year.

Tara Hall, manager of rental development, NC Housing Finance Agency, Raleigh

Fostering Relationships in Innovation for Responsive Community Development

Today’s housing challenges have expanded beyond the question of affordability alone. How can community organizations, financial institutions and public/private partnerships best position themselves to respond to ongoing and emerging market uncertainties? Join a panel of speakers from the OCC, the FDIC and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond to learn about the latest in policy research and creative initiatives to address the affordable and workforce housing crisis.

Erika Bell, community development regional manager, research, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Charlotte; Victor Galloway, community affairs specialist, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Atlanta region; and Raymond Irizarry, community affairs officer, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Charlotte.

5:00–6:00 p.m. | Networking Reception

Day 2 | September 6, 2024

7:30 a.m. | Registration Opens

8:00–9:30 a.m. | NC Housing Coalition Annual Breakfast

At the NC Housing Coalition’s Annual Breakfast, the Coalition will recognize outstanding housing advocates from the past year, preview one of its upcoming policy initiatives and host an interactive feedback session.

Ted Edwards, board chair, Samuel Gunter, executive director and Stephanie Watkins-Cruz, director of housing policy, NC Housing Coalition, Durham

9:30–9:45 a.m. | Break

9:45–11:00 a.m. | Breakout Sessions

Telling a Powerful Housing Story

Essential to having an impact on housing in your community is the ability to tell a story that cuts through narratives that become a roadblock to solutions. This session will focus on building narrative power by fostering greater public understanding of the root causes of homelessness and housing instability as we lay the groundwork for solutions.

Sarah Armour-Jones, deputy director, Housing Narrative Lab, Washington D.C.; and Samuel Gunter, executive director, NC Housing Coalition, Durham

Rental Preservation in Rural and Urban Markets

As affordable rental developments age, they are met with expiring affordable rent requirements, the need for rehabilitation and market conversion pressures. This session will explore programs, funding and strategies for preserving North Carolina’s affordable housing stock in rural and urban markets.

Speakers TBD

LIHTC Equity Master Class

Come hear syndicators active in North Carolina take a deep dive into Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity. Panelists will discuss initial proformas, negotiating letters of intent, getting to closing, making the construction process smoother and hot buttons for upper-tier investors.

Mark Shelburne (moderator), senior manager, Novogradac Consulting, LLP, Raleigh; Britni Grimes, director, acquisitions, CAHEC, Raleigh; Sadie Nott, project manager, underwriting, WNC, Durham; Jainesh Shah, director and co-head of financial management, RBC Community Investments, Charlotte; and Julie Sharp, executive vice president, Merchants Capital.

Leveraging IRA Programs and Funds for Affordable Housing

From rebates to solar panels to energy efficiency repairs, there are a range of resources available to affordable housing providers, developers and individuals in North Carolina. Hear about new resources currently available or coming online in 2025 and how to leverage them for your program needs.

Speakers TBD

11:00–11:15 a.m. | Break

11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Industry Update

The 2024 Industry Update will discuss housing policy and the political landscape, covering both what has occurred over the last year and what is anticipated in the coming year, with a particular focus on the potential impact of the November election on policy at the state and national levels.

Speakers TBD