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Housing Washington 2009

Housing Washington 2009 | Featured Speakers | Success Stories 

Success Stories: Ideas Exchange

 The chance to network—to meet up with colleagues and catch up on issues—has continued to be a key reason why I’ve attended Housing Washington over the years. But what also speaks to me are the keynote presentations. I applaud the willingness of conference organizers to bring people who enlighten us on national issues and challenge us to be more innovative at a local level. 

“Melissa Harris-Lacewell was the person I was most looking forward to hearing speak—I’ve found her political analysis to be pithy, savvy and astute. Importantly, she recognizes the perspective of people who often don’t have a voice in the political process. Since her partner is running for mayor of New Orleans, I took the opportunity to highlight work being done by the National Community Land Trust Network in the lower 9th ward—and I talked with her about her recent interview with Bill Moyers.” 

Lisa Byers, Executive Director of OPAL Community Land Trust on Orcas Island (above on left), talks with Keynote Speaker Melissa Harris-Lacewell of Princeton University about community land trust activity in New Orleans.

I’ve been working with low-income families, helping them secure transitional housing, for about a year and a half. Housing Washington 2009 was my first affordable housing conference. The sessions gave me a lot of resources, valuable information and endless networking opportunities. By attending this conference I am now able to serve my clients better and provide them with more resources than before.... I will definitely attend again—it’s a wonderful conference.”

Raquel Flores, Mi Casa Transitional Housing Program Coordinator, Consejo Counseling and Referral Service, Seattle

I came specifically to get an education about the various financing vehicles available to us for our affordable housing project in the Methow Valley. I was impressed at how valid the contacts were for what we want to do. Other conferences I’ve attended have been so generically tailored that I came away with nothing. At Housing Washington, we were able to have at least four or five very pointed, specific conversations that will help us move forward." 

Doric Creager, Principal, Doric Inc. General Contracting, Spokane (on right) and his brother Kurt Creager, Executive Director of the Stardust Center for Affordable Homes and the Family at Arizona State University, show plans for Methow River Walk, a proposed affordable rental development in Twisp.

Being in one locale with a huge representation of our customer base and prospects is one of the principal benefits of attending Housing Washington—and being a sponsor as well. We had a great spot for our booth and over a few hundred people stopped by. We also used our booth to highlight NOVA Townhomes, an affordable homeownership development we financed for our customer the Low Income Housing Institute.”

Randy J. Robinson, Vice President and West Region Manager, Community Development Lending, Key Bank, Seattle

An increasing number of people and organizations are attending Housing Washington. It’s the one time each year when so many of the people engaged in affordable housing efforts in the state are all gathered in one place—it is a great opportunity to network and have more informal conversations. And the keynote speakers are a highlight. They're typically provocative and well-connected—and offer a different perspective than we get locally.”

 Melora Hiller (above on right) of Melora Hiller Consulting presented, with Walter Zisette of Common Ground, a well-received focus session on “Access to Capital: How Strong Organizations = Successful Projects” at Housing Washington.

Several people have asked me: Mercy Housing is a nonprofit—why would you be a Housing Washington sponsor and exhibitor? For us, it’s about stewardship, cultivation, and new business. First, we participate to say ‘thank you’ to the banks that are also sponsors—including US Bank, B of A, and Chase—that are major contributors to Mercy Housing’s efforts. And because I am a fundraiser, Housing Washington gives me the opportunity to make connections with new people and organizations, and other potential funders.

“On the business cultivation side, Mercy Housing’s work involves developing, financing and managing affordable service-enriched housing. Many cities and towns and other jurisdictions were also represented at Housing Washington, which gave us the chance to discuss our collaborative work with communities in housing development.” 

Paul Chiocco, Regional Vice President of Resource Development and Administration, Intercommunity Mercy Housing, Seattle

11/04/2009