Dr. Makada Henry-Nickie Keynote and Moderated Conversation with Emily Chenevert
“The Texas Picture” with Emily Ryder Perlmeter
Panel of Practitioners
Forum Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated housing access and affordability issues faced by households across the nation. Even as economic conditions have slightly improved, more than 1.5 million homeowners—mostly low-income or of color—are more than 90 days behind on mortgage payments. As of early July, there were still nearly 6.5 million renter households behind on rent*, putting them at risk of eviction. Families and households of color are even more vulnerable and likely to struggle with making housing payments.
The impacts of the pandemic are likely to last well into the future, necessitating substantial policy changes and financial assistance to address household needs. While mortgage forbearance, rental assistance, and housing support programs have provided households with much-needed relief, additional and extended programs are critical to ensure that we do not leave the most vulnerable households behind. In addition, it is essential that we build back an inclusive economy that ensures that households have access to stable employment and small business support, equitable access to healthcare, ample educational and workforce development opportunities, and adequate transportation and transit access.
This virtual forum will bring together panelists from across Texas and the United States to discuss strategies that localities can adopt to ensure an equitable housing and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and set the stage for long-term affordability and stability.
* National Low Income Housing Coalition
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Forum Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
City of Austin Housing & Planning
Google Fiber
Housing Authority of the City of Austin
Gold Sponsors
Austin Board of REALTORS
Catellus Development LLC
Foundation Communities
Momark Development
St. David’s Foundation
Wells Fargo
Silver Sponsors
Austin Habitat for Humanity
Brandywine Realty Trust
McGinnis Lochridge
Structure Development
Bronze Sponsors
Ascension Seton
Austin Chamber of Commerce
Austin ECHO
Austin Women in Housing
DMA Companies
Equidad ATX
Mueller Foundation
Texas Low Income Housing Information Service
Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation