Overview

ANHD’s annual Fight Forward event series builds power across NYC’s housing and economic development actors. Our 2026 event series will provide in-person spaces to have timely, thought-provoking conversations, connect with others in the movement, and celebrate our collective power and resilience.

ANHD Member Event: Preservation

 

ANHD brought together 70+ members for a discussion with NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Dina Levy on advancing affordable housing preservation.  The discussion centered on the challenges facing distressed, nonprofit-owned housing and the policies needed to stabilize and safeguard these homes. Members shared perspectives from their work in the field and engaged in a candid dialogue about how public agencies can support long-term affordability. The gathering also served as an opportunity to connect, reflect, and shape collective priorities.

Speaker

Dina Levy
Commissioner, NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)

ANHD Member Event: Code Enforcement & Landlord Accountability

ANHD convened 60+ organizers and tenant leaders from our membership to meet with senior leadership from NYC’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Together, participants discussed ways to strengthen the current code enforcement process and ensure tenants receive timely and quality repairs in their apartments. Members shared on-the-ground insights from buildings across the city and identified opportunities to build on existing systems, support more responsive approaches, and deepen collaboration in the communities most impacted.

Speakers

AnnMarie Santiago
Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement and Neighborhood Services, NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)

Adam Phillips
First Deputy Commissioner, NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)

Celeste Hornbach,
Executive Advisor for Special Projects, NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)

In Community: Merchant Power in Jackson Heights

We partnered with our member organization Chhaya CDC for a walking tour of Jackson Heights’ vibrant commercial corridors where government, nonprofit, and community development partners were able to meet immigrant merchant leaders, hear directly about the displacement pressures facing local businesses, and learn about how merchant organizing contributes to neighborhood stability, equitable economic development, and commercial corridor resilience throughout New York City. Attendees also learned how community development organizations like Chhaya are advancing this work through ANHD’s Citywide Merchant Organizing Project (CMOP).

Speakers

Annetta Seecharran – Chhaya CDC; ANHD Board of Directors
Urgen Sherpa – Chhaya CDC
Jessica Taylor – Goldman Sachs
NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kenny Minaya
Council Member Gale Brewer
Council Member Shekar Krishnan
Assembly Member Catalina Cruz
Jackson Heights small business owners

In Community: Responsible Banking & Reinvestment

Tuesday, September 22, 8:30 – 11am
The New York Academy of Sciences

As federal financial protections continue to shift, New York’s regulatory leadership is becoming even more consequential. Join ANHD for a timely conversation on how local government are stepping in to protect consumers, strengthen community reinvestment, and expand oversight amid rapid changes in the financial services sector, while supporting a strong, innovative, and inclusive financial sector.
 
Get your ticket here!  

Series Finale Event: Networking Night

Thursday October 22, 4 – 7:30pm
El Museo del Barrio

Save the date – join us on Thursday, October 22 for ANHD’s biggest event of the year!

Our Networking Night is back, bringing together leaders working across the New York City community development field. Each year, attendees from the nonprofit, public, and private sectors come together to connect, exchange ideas, and build the relationships that drive community development across the city. You won’t want to miss it!

 

Consultants, Vendors & Partners

ANHD prioritizes working with an array of local and MWBE (minority, women-owned business enterprise) consultants, vendors & partners. They include:

Collective Fare
Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FWPA)
Himalayan Yak Restaurant
Luce Productions
Neighborly Events
Juliana Leite Neri
Nepali Bhanchha Ghar
Phe Studios
Printgraphi
Rodriguez Valle Creative
Samuel Lahoz Photography

Social Media and Hashtag

The official hashtag of this ANHD event series is #BuildCommunityPower

Follow ANHD on Instagram and LinkedIn @ANHDnyc and on Bluesky @anhd.org for up-to-date info and recaps!

Sponsors

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2026 series! Sponsors are recognized as part of the Fight Forward event series and participate in conversations that invest in community-led housing and equitable economic development across New York City.

Sponsorship benefits can include:

  • In-room participation at Fight Forward events
  • Visibility across ANHD events and communications
  • Digital and on-site recognition, including tabling opportunities at select events
  • Limited opportunities to contribute remarks or participate in facilitated discussions
  • Opportunities to connect with mission-driven nonprofit, public, and financial sector partners
  • Investment in ANHD’s core policy, research, and capacity-building work

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Lauren Nye, Director of Operations, at lauren.n@anhd.org.