US HUD Secretary Fudge and NYS Governor Hochol Join ANHD for their 10th Annual Virtual Conference

New York, NY – ANHD will be hosting their 10th annual LIVE virtual conference Fight Forward: People, Progress, Policies October 5 - 7, 2021. The program will include an array of conversations on housing, economic, and social justice with practitioners from throughout the community development movement.

“During a time of multiple crises and historical reckoning at the local, national, and international scale, ANHD makes it a priority to engage in critical conversations that demonstrate paths for collaboration and progress toward racial equity and social justice not only in pandemic recovery, but in community development more broadly,” said Barika X. Williams, Executive Director of ANHD. “This year’s conference highlights the crucial work of community leaders and member organizations while gathering thought leaders and change-agents from across the community development field. From special addresses by HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge and Governor Kathy Hochul, to the on-the ground work of grassroots organizers, this event brings us together around the progress and policies our communities need.”

Marcia L. Fudge, the 18th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will give the keynote address on Wednesday, October 5, 2021 at 1:15 pm.

The Honorable Kathy Hochul, 57th Governor of New York State, will give the closing address for ANHD’s conference on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 4:30 pm.

This year's conference will include a variety of attendee engagement opportunities with speakers and panelists, and include a special opening night musical performance from The Peace Poets, a collective of artists from The Bronx who celebrate, examine and advocate for life and human dignity through music and poetry.

“For the past 10 years, New York City communities have participated in and felt the impact of ANHD’s Annual Conference, which serves as a critical touchpoint for and a celebration of the community development movement. We are excited to host another exciting and ever more urgent conference as our city responds to the ongoing pandemic and its disparate impact in our communities of color,” said Walter Roberts, Executive Director of ANHD member Hope Community Inc. and Board Chair of ANHD.

The plenary and panel sessions for the conference will range in topics including: Race-Blind Towards Racial Justice Policies, Integrating NYC’s Housing Plan: Are We Really All in This Together?, Weathering the Storm: What Does the Climate Crisis Mean for Housing Development?, Planning for Equity: How Comprehensive Planning Can Advance Racial & Economic Justice, Understanding and Undoing Inequality in NYC's Commercial Corridors, Sustaining Power in Times of Sustained Crisis, and Community Reinvestment Act: What Changes Could Mean for Our Communities.

“As our communities continue to emerge from the pandemic, we are seeing the need for solutions that will enable an economic recovery that is equitable for all New Yorkers,“ said Brandee McHale, Head of Community Investing and Development at Citi. “This year, the ANHD Annual Conference provides a vital and timely opportunity for different sectors to come together, share ideas and expertise, and develop new partnerships that will help drive a post-COVID recovery that is both equitable and sustainable.”

“Goldman Sachs is delighted to support ANHD’s Annual Conference,” said Margaret Anadu, Global Head of Sustainability and Impact for Goldman Sachs Asset Management.  “ANHD’s programs to advance economic and racial justice are more critical than ever and we’re particularly excited to partner with ANHD in this important work under Barika Williams’ leadership.”

“At a time when many New Yorkers are looking to create a more, affordable, equitable, and just New York, ANHD recognizes that this work will require everyone at the table, from community organizers on the ground in the Bronx and Brooklyn to leaders like Governor Hochul and Secretary Fudge," said David Goldstein, Managing Partner, Goldstein Hall. "As a long-time collaborator with ANHD, Goldstein Hall is proud to support ANHD’s 'Fight Forward: People, Policies, and Progress'."

Day One, Tuesday, October 5, 2021, will feature a live performance from Bronx’s based group, The Peace Poets and a short video on ANHD’s work with Executive Director Barika X. Williams.

Day Two, Wednesday, October 6, 2021, will include opening remarks from ANHD’s lead conference sponsor Citi's Director of US Community Relations Michelle Thornhill, followed by our keynote address from HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. After a series of breakout sessions, we will reconvene for a discussion on “COVID Response Recap: The Impact of Neighborhoods Now,” followed by a special tribute to three housing justice champions.

Day Three, Thursday, October 7, 2021, will open with our policy plenary, “From Race-Blind Towards Racial Justice Policies,” followed by breakout sessions, a conversation on the state community development landscape, and a closing address from New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.

To register for ANHD’s conference, please visit our website. For more information, please contact ANHD’s Communications Manager Melanie Breault at Melanie.B@anhd.org.

About the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development (ANHD):

ANHD builds community power to win affordable housing and thriving, equitable neighborhoods for all New Yorkers. As a member organization of community groups across New York City, we use research, advocacy, and grassroots organizing to support our members in their work to build equity and justice in their neighborhoods and city-wide.

ANHD values justice, equity and opportunity. We believe in the importance of movement-building that centers marginalized communities in our work.

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