Hamilton Herald Masthead

Editorial


Front Page - Friday, July 17, 2015

Governor’s Housing Conference to tackle tough questions




Conversations ranging from Congressional action to community planning will share the stage at the 2015 Governor’s Housing Conference. The conference is set for Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Thursday, Oct. 8 in Nashville at the Music City Center. Registration is open at www.tnghc.com.

Ed Pinto, American Enterprise Institute, will starts the discussion at the opening lunch with a presentation on the national housing market and the Wealth Builder Home Loan (WBHL). Tennessee Housing Development Agency coordinates the Governor’s Housing Conference each year, providing a learning and networking opportunity for professionals in residential development, construction, lending, and sales, as well as government and nonprofit groups.

“The availability and affordability of housing is more than a quality of life issue for families; it’s also a key element in the health and financial stability of a community,” said Ralph Perrey, THDA executive director. “Economic development, job creation, and school success work together when the right housing is in place.”

Pinto, a frequent commentator on the national housing finance system, is codirector of AEI’s International Center on Housing Risk in Washington, D.C. As currently featured on HousingRisk.org, Pinto’s study of the January 2015 reduction in the Federal Housing Authority’s annual mortgage insurance premium shows that the cut did not bring additional persons of lower wealth into the housing market, but instead stimulated existing buyers to purchase a higher-priced home.

Pinto co-designed the WBHL to encourage homeownership with less credit risk.

The conference’s educational sessions and exhibits combine to provide many opportunities to learn from experts. Topics include the connection between housing and economic development, alternative designs, what can be learned from the U.S. Census, and updates on THDA programs.

Companies interested in exhibit or sponsorship opportunities are asked to send an email to PSmith@thda.org.

Source: Tennessee Housing Development Agency