Affordable Housing Issues are Focus of Statewide Conference
BISMARCK, ND – February 11, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) – The 18th Annual Statewide Housing Conference, “Riding the Waves of Change,” sponsored by the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA), will be held March 4 – 5, 2009, at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck.
The conference will open with a keynote presentation by Mark Mayfield. Outrageously funny yet deeply insightful, Mayfield’s approach to coping with change is creativity. Mayfield promises to get you laughing and leave you with change management skills.
During the Wednesday lunch, the recently released State of Affordable Housing in North Dakota report, that illustrates a rapidly growing housing affordability gap in North Dakota , will be discussed.
On Thursday morning, Dr. Stephen Happel, a distinguished professor of economics at the Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business, will present on the “Current State of the Economy and the Implications for North Dakota.”
“A number of the break-out sessions are focused on new programs and updates currently being rolled out by both the federal and state government,” said Mike Anderson, NDHFA executive director.
Topics include: community development and rehabilitation resources, combating long-term homelessness, administration of subsidized rental properties, affordable options for going green, production or modernization of tribal housing, changes in mortgage insurance coverage, and a fair housing update.
“The planning committee has worked hard to ensure that the material featured at the conference will provide answers to housing issues that North Dakota is facing right now,” said Anderson .
At the Thursday luncheon, the Housing Finance Agency will present its annual Champion of Affordable Housing awards, honoring individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to affordable housing in North Dakota . Lenders participating in the Agency’s homeownership programs will also be recognized.
ND Real Estate Commission and ND Board of Social Work Examiners continuing education program applications have been submitted. Credits will be offered upon approval of the program by the accrediting bodies. NDHFA plans to offer five hours of continuing education for attendance on March 4 and four hours for March 5. A total of nine hours will be awarded if both days are attended. Information on the availability of credits will be posted on the Agency’s website.
If postmarked by Feb. 25, the conference registration is $125 for the full two days, and one-day only registration is $70. For more information, contact Sarah Mudder at (701) 328-8080, (800) 292-8621 or info (at) ndhfa (dot) org.
