At the Intersection of Construction and Nonprofits: Meeting Housing and Community Needs

The COVID-19 pandemic and environmental concerns have pushed the housing crisis to a new breaking point. Thousands of residents in markets across the country are at risk: affordability, accessibility, financial viability and constructability. There are real challenges and lagging indicators of distress and deepening hardship for property owners and developers. Strategic construction development in partnership with nonprofits and sound governmental policy can alleviate some of these needs if done well.

Columbia University convened a panel of distinguished experts who  discussed the challenges and potential remedies for consideration. This engaging discussion addressed cross-cutting issues that have pressing implications involving governance and policy choices aimed at achieving better outcomes by leadership at all levels for residents and businesses, developers and lenders. Stakeholder issues in other areas around the country include: sustainable housing, nonprofit housing development, construction management and public/private partnerships that are so prevalent in the housing arena. 

In addition to the needs of the City and the surrounding region, speakers also discussed policy considerations related to the Biden administration’s infrastructure plans, and climate change requiring new housing solutions globally, as well as housing as a part of social justice and equity movements.