LITTLE ROCK – America is experiencing a housing shortage, and Arkansas is not exempt – the state needs at least 50,000 new units. Finding safe, affordable housing challenges Arkansans across the economic spectrum, and the Arkansas Coalition of Housing and Neighborhood Growth for Empowerment (ACHANGE) will gather leaders from across the state and nation to discuss how public policy can spur innovation to meet Arkansas’ housing needs.
The event, “Sculpting the Housing Landscape in Arkansas: Current Conditions, Future Opportunities,” is scheduled for June 20-21 at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, 2301 S. University Dr., Little Rock. Speakers include Jacqueline Waggoner, president of Enterprise Community Partners’ Solutions Division; Chris Nicely, president of ManufacturedHomes.com; and William Cerullo of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
“We have an opportunity in Arkansas to be leaders in the country in tackling the challenge of expanding housing options to meet current and future needs,” said Martie North, ACHANGE board president. “To do so, we need to understand what policies and opportunities exist to increase the supply of housing production in the state. To have a healthy housing ecosystem, there must be quality affordable housing at various price points that allow people to secure quality affordable housing, either rented or owned, and move up and down based upon their need.”
The symposium’s agenda will cover the current state housing legislation and policy tools that can be used to increase housing options in the state. North said organizers hope the educational event will help spur conversation, partnership and engagement within communities across Arkansas. Tickets are $25 for ACHANGE members and $50 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit www.achange.org/upcoming-events/.
ACHANGE is also accepting nominations for the 2024 ACHANGE Excellence Awards. The organization will honor individuals or organizations in the following categories: Innovation in Housing Design and Development, Best in Housing Revitalization and Best in Community Economic Development Partnership. To nominate someone for an award, visit www.achange.org/news/.