Learn. Volunteer. Connect.
New York Housing Conference’s Rising Leaders Network (RLN) is a professional organization specifically for emerging leaders working in the affordable housing community in New York. Through networking, education, advocacy and volunteer opportunities, the RLN allows young housing professionals to meet key people, to gain experience and to get involved with issues affecting our industry. The RLN’s programming helps connect and foster the next generation of talented leaders to ensure affordable housing in New York remains strong and vital for the future. Membership gives to access to all of the RLN’s educational events, advocacy efforts, network, and volunteer days. Membership is FREE and it’s EASY TO APPLY. Just CLICK the “Apply” tab and fill out the application.
Education
The RLN host Summer Seminars and Winter Thought Leader Talks which are free discussions on all issues impacting affordable housing. Become a member to hear about additional RLN educational events later this year.
Advocacy
The RLN partners with the New York Housing Conference and the National Housing Conference to provide opportunities for our members to advocate for improved housing policies in Albany, Washington DC, and locally.
Networking
The RLN hosts several networking events each year. They are a great way for our members to catch up with old colleagues and make new connections.
Volunteering
The RLN hosts volunteer days for our membership by partnering with New York Cares, Meals on Wheels, and other local organizations.
February Winter Thought Leader: NYCHA CEO, Lisa Bova-Hiatt
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New York Housing Conference and the Rising Leaders Network announces our February Winter Thought Leader of 2025 – New York City Housing Authority CEO, Lisa Bova-Hiatt
Join us on Tuesday, February 25 from 5:30PM – 7PM, as the New York Housing Conference and the Rising Leaders Network (RLN) continue it’s 2025 Winter Thought Leader series, featuring New York City Housing Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Bova-Hiatt.
Lisa Bova-Hiatt was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) in July 2023 after serving as Interim CEO since September 2022.
Bova-Hiatt has more than 25 years of experience in the public sector. She joined NYCHA in February 2020 as general counsel, where she led the Authority’s Law Department and was involved with all NYCHA executive matters, including compliance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development agreement, NYCHA’s transformation and implementation plans, and operations and administration.
She was previously general counsel of the City University Construction Fund and executive university counsel of the City University of New York (CUNY). Prior to CUNY, Lisa served as executive director of the New York Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, where she played an integral role in helping the agency carry out the reconstruction of over 12,000 homes and hundreds of infrastructure projects.
Lisa previously spent 19 years in various roles at the New York City Law Department, including as the deputy chief of the Tax and Bankruptcy Litigation Division, where she specialized in real estate acquisition and development, and chief advisor to administration officials.She is a graduate of Villanova University and Brooklyn Law School.
You must be registered to attend this event. Please bring ID and arrive 15 minutes early to go through the building’s security procedures.
The Winter Thought Leader series are free educational discussions on affordable housing hosted by the Rising Leaders Network. Each winter month we feature a special speaker on topics impacting affordable housing followed by a Q&A moderated by a member of NYHC’s RLN.
February Winter Thought Leader Series: NYHCA CEO, Lisa Bova-Hiatt
Tue, Feb 25, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7 PM EST
LISC NYC | 28 Liberty Street #34th floor New York, NY 10005
January Winter Thought Leader:
HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr.
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New York Housing Conference and the Rising Leaders Network welcome our first Winter Thought Leader of 2025 – the Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development,
Adolfo Carrión Jr.!
Join us on Wednesday, Jan 29 from 5:30PM – 7PM at LISC NYC, where Commissioner Carrión will discuss his career in public service and the work HPD is doing to combat the housing shortage in NYC:
Commissioner Carrión has spent his professional career working to build and improve historically marginalized communities in the Bronx, in other areas of New York City, and around the country. Before starting Metro Futures, Carrión served as regional administrator for Region II of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, deputy assistant to President Barack Obama, and director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs. Carrión’s work resulted in the establishment of a White House Urban Policy Working Group and the first interagency review in 30 years of federal government policy and funding in U.S. urban and metropolitan areas.
Prior to his tenure in the federal government, Carrión served as Bronx Borough President and as a member of the New York City Council. His work as Borough President ushered in a new era of building and growth in the Bronx that increased investment in housing, schools, millions of square feet of commercial space, the new Yankee Stadium, and new businesses. Carrión also served as president of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO), is an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellows alumnus, and has served on numerous boards for non-profit and government entities. He also served as executive vice president of Stagg Group, a housing development and management firm, and senior advisor for Corporate Development to the CSA Group, the largest Hispanic-owned architecture and engineering firm in the U.S.
Prior to joining HPD, Carrión was the CEO and founder of Metro Futures LLC, a real estate development and consulting firm, whose focus is the development of affordable housing, mixed-use and economic development projects, and strategic planning in the New York City Metro Area. Carrión received his Bachelor of Arts from the King’s College and a Master’s in Urban Planning from Hunter College.
You must be registered to attend this event. Please bring ID and arrive 15 minutes early to go through the building’s security procedures.
The Winter Thought Leader series are free educational discussions on affordable housing hosted by the Rising Leaders Network. Each winter month we feature a special speaker on topics impacting affordable housing followed by a Q&A moderated by a member of NYHC’s RLN.
January Winter Thought Leader Series: HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr.
Wed, Jan 29, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7 PM EST
LISC NYC | 28 Liberty Street #34th floor New York, NY 10005
October Site Tour of the Eliza in Inwood!
Join the Rising Leaders Network, C.L.O.T.H, Mega Development and the New York Public Library for a tour of the Eliza in Inwood on Thursday, October 24 · 5:30 – 6:30PM!
Located at 4790 Broadway, The Eliza offers the Inwood community 174 deeply affordable homes, a brand new two-level public library branch, an extensive community learning space, and a universal Pre-Kindergarten facility operated by the New York City Department of Education (DOE).
Tuesday, October 24 5:30 – 6:30PM
4790 Broadway, New York, NY 10034
Volunteer With the RLN and S:US!
Volunteer this fall with the Rising Leaders Network as part of Services for the Underserved, Inc’s (S:US) Holiday Gift Project! On Thursday, November 21st from 5:30-7PM, volunteers with help organize and wrap hundreds of gifts for S:US participants.
The holidays can be a difficult time as many of those served at S:US do not have families to celebrate with or the means to provide a gift for their child. The Holiday Gift Project was started in 2000 after an idea blossomed for New Yorkers to donate personalized stockings to their participants, spreading joy over the holiday season. As the project has grown over the years, going from 200 to over 1,100 gift recipients, the gifts have grown as well and are no longer able to fit into a stocking. The gifts are still individualized wishes.
Gift recipients include children and adults with an intellectual/developmental disability; children in their family and domestic violence shelters and in supported housing programs; seniors with a disability; or veterans needing assistance.
Space is limited for this event. If you register and can no longer attend, please e-mail [email protected]
Thursday, November 21, 5:30-7PM
463 7th Avenue New York, NY 10018
September Site Tour of the Atrium
Thank you Lettire Construction for hosting the RLN at the Atrium at Sumner!
The Atrium is a new construction of 190 Senior apartments through NYCHA and HPD’s NextGeneration Seniors First Program. The RFP was awarded to Sumner Senior Partners a joint venture between Riseboro Community Partners, Selfhelp Realty Group and Urban Builders Collaborative.
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Rising Leaders Network Fall Networking!
Join other young affordable housing professionals for an evening of networking at Tavern On Reade. Please register to receive a beer or wine on behalf of the RLN! Light appetizers will be provided.
Tuesday September 24, 5:30-6:30pm
Tavern on Reade
Affordable Housing Site Tour:
Atrium at Sumner
Join the RLN for a site tour of Atrium at Sumner in Bedford Stuyvesant on Thursday September 19, 5:30-6:30pm! The development is new construction with 190 Senior apartments through NYCHA and HPD’s NextGeneration Seniors First Program. The RFP was awarded to Sumner Senior Partners a joint venture between Riseboro Community Partners, Selfhelp Realty Group and Urban Builders Collaborative.
Built by Lettire Construction and designed with Passive House principles by international renowned architecture firm Studio Libeskind, the project contains an atrium through the interior of the building creating a landmark design. The Atrium allows sunlight to pour into the green landscaped 2nd Floor as well as providing direct light to all residential hallways. NYCHA’s open green space was also upgraded with landscaping and resilience, including bio swales, to provide protection from extreme storms.
The Project received NYCHA Project Based Sec. 8 vouchers along with NYC HDC tax exempt bonds, 4% Tax Credits, NYC HPD SARA Capital, and Resolution A Funds from the former Brooklyn Borough President.
The project is located in the NYCHA Sumner Houses Development on underutilized land at 57 Marcus Garvey Blvd. between Park and Myrtle.
Thursday September 19, 5:30-6:30pm
57 Marcus Garvey Blvd
RLN Summer Series:
Risk Sharing to Lower Housing Finance Costs
Join New York Housing Conference and the Rising Leaders Network virtually on August 29, 10-11am for our final Summer Series: Risk Sharing to Lower Housing Financing Costs.
High interest rates have made affordable housing even more expensive and difficult to finance. Learn about national efforts to reenergize public financing for housing, how NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is utilizing the Federal Finance Bank’s risk sharing program to build and preserve housing and how the recently announced changes linked below will impact this work!
Panelists:
Ellen Duffy, Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Investments, HDC
Paul Williams, Executive Director, Center for Public Enterprise
Ruth Moreira, First Executive Vice President, HDC
Moderator: Shakti Robbins-Cubas, Senior Housing Policy Analyst, NYHC
Thursday August 29, 10-11am
Virtual
RLN July Site Tour: Armstrong & Marcy-Greene PACT
Join the Rising Leaders Network to tour Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) renovations in Bedford Stuyvesant!
Tuesday, July 16, 5:30 – 6:30pm
262 Lexington Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11216
RLN July Summer Series: Parking Mandates Webinar
Join Open Plans NY in partnership with New York Housing Conference and the Yes to Housing Coalition on July 18th at 9:00AM for a Webinar on Parking Mandates. This webinar will explain parking mandates, their history and use in NYC, how they impact affordable housing development and the proposal to remove them in the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity.
Thursday, 7/18 9:00am – 10:00am
Virtual Webinar on Zoom
June 25, 2024 9:30AM
RLN Summer Seminar Series:
Fair and Affordable Housing in NYC
Join the Rising Leaders Network for this year’s first summer series: Fair and Affordable Housing in NYC – What Does a Decade of Affordable Housing Production Tell Us and How Can Policy Change Historic Patterns?
The New York Housing Conference will present an updated NYC Affordable Housing Tracker that includes the latest data on affordable housing production by council district. Experts then discuss the state of fair housing in NYC including the proposed City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the NYC Council Fair Housing Framework and NYC’s Housing Our Neighbors Blueprint.
Panelists:
- Brendan Cheney, NYHC
- Braden Crooks, designing the WE
- John Mangin, NYC Planning
- Ahmed Tigani, HPD First Deputy Commissioner & Chief Diversity Officer
RLN WINTER THOUGHT LEADER SERIES KICKS-OFF WITH PRESENTATION ON CRA REFORM WITH DAVID DWORKIN
2019 RLN SUMMER SERIES KICKS-OFF WITH MARKETING AND LEASING AFFORDABLE UNITS IN NYC
On Tuesday, June 11th, Rising Leaders gathered at NYU Furman Hall for an informative panel discussion. Industry experts covered a range of topics including an overview of the marketing process, challenges and improvements for Housing Connect (2.0), the Housing Ambassadors program, different marketing strategies for buildings with varying income limits, and marketing and leasing timelines.
RLN WINTER THOUGHT LEADER SERIES CONCLUDES WITH CONVERSATION BETWEEN COUNCILMAN BRAD LANDER AND RLN MEMBERS
On Tuesday, March 26th, Aliya Brown (RLN member) and Eleor Cohen (RLN Board member) facilitated a conversation with Hon. Brad Lander about diversity and equity in education in NYC. The councilman spoke about the misconceptions around diversity in education, the impact of housing on schools, his work around inclusion and school integration in his district, and what the city can do to reduce housing segregation and racial discrimination in housing.
RLN WINTER THOUGHT LEADER SERIES CONTINUES WITH PRESENTATION ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM WITH JUDY WHITING
We continued our 2019 Winter Thought Leaders Series with an event disusing the interconnections of criminal justice reform and affordable housing. On Tuesday, February 26th, Judy Whiting, General Counsel of Community Service Society, delivered a dynamic presentation on the impact of Criminal Justice reform on New York. Judy uses her legal practice and work at CSS to inform their policy initiatives and advocacy, as well her work with the New York City and State Bar association. The Q&A segment was moderated by RLN board co-chair, Gary Vizioli who is a Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo. If you missed the event, you are in luck-Judy graciously gave us permission to share her presentation.
Thank you to Judy Whiting and Gary Vizioli for sparking an important and necessary conversation with the Rising Leaders Network.
RLN WINTER THOUGHT LEADER SERIES KICKS-OFF WITH PRESENTATION ON the 2020 CENSUS WITH DR. JOSEPH SALVO
Census expert Dr. Joseph Salvo delivered a presentation on the importance of responding to the 2020 Census. Dr. Salvo also discussed the challenges in collecting accurate demographic data and its impact on political representation and federal funding. The Q&A segment was moderated by RLN Member, Michael Perles who is a Project Manager at HPD.
RLN SUMMER SERIES KICKS-OFF WITH CONSTRUCTION METHODS 101
On June 13th, an expert panel of speakers including a Developer, General Contractor, Architect and Construction Monitor provided an overview of structural systems, mechanical systems, consideration for exteriors, site logistics, subcontractors, change orders and other key issues that arise during construction. 
L+M DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS HOSTS RLN TOUR OF ESSEX CROSSING
On, April 12th, RLN members met in the Lower East Side of Manhattan for a site tour of Essex Crossing. The site utilizes a variety of tax credits to create multifamily housing and will include 1,079 units of residential rental and for-sale housing, of which over 50% will be permanently affordable to a wide range of incomes, including over 192 units set aside for seniors. Thank you to L+M Development Partners for leading the tour. Thank you to LIIF for talking about your investment in this project. And thank you to our RLN board members Amy Stokes and Sara Tempel for organizing this tour.
RLN WINTER THOUGHT LEADERS SERIES CONCLUDES WITH NYEDC’S JAMES PATCHETT
On Tuesday March 27th, James Patchett, Executive Director of the New York City Economic Development Corporation was the featured speaker for our Winter Thought Leaders Series. James spoke on NYCEDC’s role in making the city fairer as a partner in Mayor de Blasio’s 10-year plan to create 100K jobs. James elaborated on NYCDC’s strategies of investing in new industries, raising wages, and training New Yorkers through its New York Works program. The New York Works program is a series of 25 initiatives to create 100K good-paying jobs in various sectors, including, tech, life sciences, manufacturing, and creative sectors. RLN members Elizabeth Strojan and Edward Ubiera facilitated a Q&A with our audience. Thank you to our speakers for an engaging and insightful conversation about New York’s economy and its relation to affordable housing. 
RLN WINTER THOUGHT LEADERS SERIES CONTINUES WITH FAIR HOUSING JUSTICE CENTER’S FRED FREIBERG
On February 20th, Fred Freiberg, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Justice Center presented “From Apartheid to Living Apart: A Presentation on the History of Residential Racial Segregation and Fair Housing Laws,” exploring the interplay of the private real estate sector and government in providing the legal foundation, institutional tools, and financial incentives that created a “dual housing market” and rigid patterns of residential racial segregation in our metropolitan regions. NYC Council Member Ritchie Torres facilitated a Q&A with our audience which touched on barriers that continue to foster discriminatory practices, siting of affordable housing, NYC’s housing plan and policies. Thank you to our speakers for a fascinating and inspiring conversation on this important social justice issue! 
RLN WINTER THOUGHT LEADERS SERIES KICKS-OFF WITH JULIETTE MICHAELSON, EXCECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL PLAN ASSOCIATION (RPA)
On Tuesday, January 30th, the RLN kicked-off its Winter Thought Leaders Series with Juliette Michaelson, Executive Vice-President of Regional Plan Association (RPA). Juliette presented RPA’s 4th regional plan for the NY-NJ-CT region. Moderators Brandie Moreno and Ivan Levi led the conversation about the plan. Juliette spoke about how RPA plans to get the political support and funds to enact the recommendations in their plan as well as the shared the political barriers in creating and implementing the plan.
RLN SUMMER SERIES CONCLUDES WITH “WELL BUILDING STANDARDS”
On August 8th, at 8:00am, housing professionals gathered at NYU’s Furman Hall to learn from experts about the integration of health and housing, and how the WELL Building Standard aids in the development of healthy and affordable housing. Our moderator, Elizabeth Zeldin of Enterprise Community Partners, Inc opened up the discussion by explaining how housing plays a significant role in our health and wellness. Peter Smith from the International WELL Building Institute then provided an overview of the WELL Building Standard, including its health benefits for residents, and how WELL differs from other green standards. Justin Stein explained how Bronx Pro has used tax credits, bonds and other sources to fund 2264 Morris Ave, an affordable multi-family WELL building in the Bronx. Architect Bob Santoriello walked us through some the design and construction features he used to positively impact the health and well-being of future residents in the construction of 2264 Morris Ave, as well as in other buildings he has designed. The panel then explored how WELL Building Standards would work in Rehabilitation and Preservation projects, and how to possibly incentivize the use of healthy design features in future affordable housing projects. 
RLN SUMMER SEMINAR SERIES CONTINUES WITH ” PRESERVATION THROUGH INCLUSIONARY HOUSING”
We had a great turn out for our July 11th summer seminar on Preservation Through Inclusionary Housing. Experts explained how the program works, what policy objectives it advances, and how deals using it are structured. Thank you to our excellent speakers: Richard Brown, Rockabill Consulting & Development Louise Carroll, NYC Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development Patrick O’Sullivan, Jr., Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP Matthew Schatz, TD Bank Eric Usinger, Emmet, Marvin & Martin LLP Thank you to NYU Furman Center for hosting! 
RLN SUMMER SEMINAR SERIES KICKS OFF WITH “JOE NYC: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS”
On Jun 13th, the RLN kicked-off the 3rd Annual RLN Summer Seminar Series with a panel about Joint Ownership Entity NYC (JOE NYC). The panel was moderated by Edward Ubiera and included Marc Jahr, Emily Kurtz, and Peter Madden. The panelists explained how JOE NYC works to strengthen the asset and property management capacity and outcomes of participating CDCs and the industry as a whole; bolsters the cash flow and balance sheets of participating CDCs; enhances the ability of CDCs to secure financing for their development projects; and helps ensure the long-term affordability of the properties in its portfolio and the stability of the communities within which they are located.
BRONX PRO HOSTS RLN TOUR OF 2264 MORRIS AVENUE PROJECT
On May 25, the RLN toured Bronx Pro’s cutting-edge 2264 Morris Avenue project in the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx. The eleven story, 94-unit property will contain a mix of low income, moderate income and supportive housing and is being developed through a joint venture with Services for the Underserved. The project has been designed to meet LEED Gold certification and a pilot program for Building WELL certification. The proposed financing will include New York State Housing Finance Agency Tax Exempt Bonds, a loan from the New York City Housing Preservation Development, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, New York State Medicaid Reform Team (MRT) funding and New York State Office of Mental Health funding. Bronx Pro is aiming to be the first affordable housing project to attain Building WELL status after 21W20 in the Flatiron District recently became the world’s first residential project to earn the certification. 
RLN HOLDS SPRING HAPPY HOUR AT THE PIG ‘N’ WHISTLE On May 2, the RLN held its Spring Happy Hour at the Pig ‘n’ Whistle on West 48th Street. Nearly 70 current and (hopefully) future members stopped by. Special thanks to Jason Rocker for spearheading the planning this time around. 
HPD COMMISSIONER MARIA- TORRES-SPRINGER CAPS OFF SPRING “THOUGHT LEADERS” SERIES
We hosted HPD Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer in the finale of its “Thought Leaders” series this week. The Commissioner praised the holistic approach the city applies to housing policy that incorporates economic and workforce development and looks forward to building on HPD’s continuing work in this effort. She advised younger professionals in the industry to be prepared to step into the myriad leadership opportunities that will open up over the next several years. Thanks to Commissioner Torres-Springer for speaking with us, Eleor Cohen (Nixon Peabody) and Neala Martin (City Real Estate Advisors) for moderating, and thank you once again to LMHQ for hosting us! 
RLN HOSTS JONATHAN ROSE FOR “THOUGHT LEADERS” TALK
The RLN continued its “Thought Leaders” Speaker Series on March 6th with Jonathan Rose, who sketched out the ideas in his book The Well-Tempered City for how cities can holistically meet the growing needs of its residents. RLN members Jennifer Steinberg (WSFSSH) and Andrew Warren (TD Bank) led the conversation as Mr. Rose talked about resource allocation, the nascent revolution he sees building in the urban farming movement, and which cities are doing housing right (hint: it’s Singapore). Thanks to Jonathan Rose for speaking with us and thank you once again to LMHQ for hosting us! 
“THOUGHT LEADERS” SERIES KICKS-OFF WITH CM RITCHIE TORRES (FEB. 6)
The RLN kicked off its “Thought Leaders” Special Speaker Series on February 6th with NYC Councilman Ritchie Torres. Representing District 15 in the Central Bronx, and as Deputy Leader of the City Council and Public Housing Committee Chair, CM Torres is a staunch proponent of public and affordable housing in New York City. Co-hosts Elizabeth Strojan (Enterprise Community Partners) and Blanca Ramirez (Hudson Housing Capital) led the audience in a conversation with CM Torres covering the importance of affordable housing and how to defend it in light of the new challenges coming from D.C.
MEMBERS ONLY TOUR OF RIDGEWOOD BUSHWICK’S 803 KNICKERBOCKER PASSIVE HOUSE PROJECT
Thank you to Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council for a tour on August 18th of their Knickerbocker Commons, one of the first mid-sized buildings in the nation to conform to Passive House standards. Passive House buildings provide a high level of comfort, air quality and resilience, as well as significant reductions in energy consumption compared to code buildings. Designed by Chris Benedict, R.A., Knickerbocker Commons contains 24 rental apartments affordable to tenants earning less than 30%, 50% and 60% of area median income. Five units are set aside for persons with physical disabilities. We got a look at a unit and the disproportionate amount of space required by building codes to house Knickerbocker’s greatly reduced building systems. One interesting tidbit: the building is sealed so well that pressure differences were drawing water up into the basement, necessitating a small hole being created to alleviate the issue. Scott Short did a great job leading the group – which included the building super who told us he’s never managed a building this easy before.
SUMMER SEMINAR SERIES: ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND THE PUSH TO PASSIVE HOUSE
The series will be held from 8:00-9:30AM at NYU’s Vanderbilt Hall, Room 218 located at 40 Washington Square South. Breakfast will be served at 8am and the panel will start at 8:30am.
RLN KICKS OFF SUMMER SEMINAR SERIES WITH EAST NY REZONING PANEL
On Tuesday, June 7th at NYU, the NYHC’s Rising Leaders Netowrk kicked off its 2nd Annual Summer Seminar Series spotlighting the East NY Rezoning. Councilman Espinal walked us through the stresses on the community through the 80s and 90s, continuing through the housing crisis in the late 2000s and how the neighborhood has sustained itself on the strength of its social and cultural institutions. The big three questions facing East New York now are: how affordable will new housing be? How many residents will be displaced? And what kinds of jobs will be available to the community? There is a substantial amount of public commitment to social infrastructure in East New York but there are concerns that growth in the neighborhood will outpace school and community facility capacity. It will be key to track progress on commitments to parks, housing etc. in a transparent way. Anti-displacement tools like a flip tax and harassment protections would add more stability. City Planning is focusing more on comprehensive planning that goes beyond density. There is also a growing push in the agency to be more flexible and responsive to the specific outreach and engagement needs of a given community. It was stressed that public involvement remains a vital factor concerning the equity and effectiveness of future rezonings. Thank you to Councilman Rafael Espinal (District 37), Paula Crespo (Pratt Center), Tawkiyah Jordan (City Planning), Michelle Neugebauer (Cypress Hills Local Development Corp.) and moderator Edward Ubiera (LISC NYC) for making the event such a success! 
SEMINAR SERIES SUCCESS CONTINUES WITH CAREERS IN PUBLIC SERVICE PANEL
Thank you to Rich Froehlich (NYC Housing Development Corp.), Bret Garwood (NYS Homes and Community Renewal), Arden Sokolow (US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development) and Karina Totah (NYCHA) for making our “Careers in Public Service” panel such a success. Led by moderator and RLN member Emily Lehman (NYC Dept of Housing Preservation and Development), the panel outlined the various paths that led each of them to the public sector side of the affordable housing world. While the usual academic paths tend to be from planning, architecture or law programs, it was advised that one shouldn’t shy away from a more “generalist” path such as a liberal arts program. A lot of technical skills are learned on the job but “soft skills” such as being able to write and to collaborate can be key. One of the primary challenges in public service is the perpetual need for more resources. But other challenges include dealing with the territorial mindset one can encounter in regards to institutional knowledge and figuring out what buttons to push in order to make bureaucracy work. However the rewards of public service are plentiful: * The enduring personal relationships you will develop * The ability to enact change * Figuring out the puzzle of housing needs, limited funding and bureaucracy * The overarching opportunity to be creative because you are able to influence new ideas and see them to fruition * The weight your words carry because you represent an important part of the process * Being continually inspired by seeing the impact of your work on the community The most important career advice given was to find a boss that cares about your development and will nurture your career. But attendees were also encouraged to seek out mentors because people will not only respect your initiative but will also be very willing to do what they can to help you. Special thanks to our series sponsor, NeighborWorks, and our host, The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen. 
RLN CO-HOSTS MIXER AT THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
On January 20, the RLN co-hosted a young professionals mixer at the Museum of the City of New York. The evening included a wine reception and a special tour of the Museum’s Affordable New York exhibit on the history of affordable housing in the city. Thanks to all who attended this members-only event and special thanks to the Museum’s Young Member Circle and NYSAFAH2G for partnering with us!
Click here to view slideshow of event photos 
Career Seminar Series Kicked Off Tuesday with “How to Become a Developer” panel
Thank you to Amy Casciani (PathStone), Martin Dunn (Dunn Development), Aaron Koffman (The Hudson Companies) and Eli Weiss (Joy Construction) for helping us to kick-off the Career Seminar Series so successfully. Led by moderator and RLN member Charlotte Abrams (L+M Development Partners), the panel outlined the various paths that brought each of them to affordable housing development and the fundamental importance of knowing your market as a first step towards successful projects. They also stressed how vital it is to build a trusted network not only as development partners but as resources for the many questions one should ask as he or she builds a knowledge base. Other keys to successful development include: * Creative design opportunities grow out of working with contractors and architects who are practical and don’t waste money; * There will always be problems; developers get paid for confronting these problems and staying in front of them; * A developer embraces the expertise of his or her team and is responsible for picking a direction. Some policy ideas put forth included more emphasis on a regional approach to addressing affordable housing needs; countering the NIMBYism in response to calls for more density; crafting a flexible housing plan that realizes the different needs of New York City, rural communities and upstate cities; and compartmentalized resources at city agencies to streamline the approval process for affordable housing projects – for which time delays are more painful. Special thanks to our series sponsor, NeighborWorks, and our host, The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen. See you in February! 
NEWBURGH LAND BANK AND BREWERY TOUR
Date: Friday, October 30th, 2015 Time: 12:00pm – 6:00pm Location: PICK-UP POINT: To be announced Event Description: Impressive architecture, young entrepreneurs and new development. Here’s your opportunity to see what’s exciting about the next wave of urban renewal happening just north of New York City. Transportation provided but space is limited. Sponsored by the New York Housing Conference Rising Leader Network (RLN) Tentative Schedule:
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- 12:00PM – Meet in New York City (transportation will be provided)
- 1:30PM – Meet with the Newburgh Community Land Bank and City Representatives
- 2:30PM – Site visits and historic property tour
- 4:00PM – Tour and drinks at the Newburgh Brewing Company
- 6:00PM – Return to New York City
RLN Fall Happy Hour Networking
Date: October 7, 2015 Thanks to the nearly 70 young housing professionals who came out to the Pig ‘N’ Whistle. See you in the Spring! 
RLN Summer Seminar Series: NYC Zoning Improvements
Date: August 11, 2015 The RLN wrapped up its Summer Seminar Series with its third panel discussion hosted by NYU Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy. Moderated by RLN Board Member Justin Stein (Bronx Pro Group), CHPC’s Sarah Watson provided a rundown of the sometimes unforeseen impacts of zoning regulations; DCP’s Frank Ruchala corroborated and made the case for City Planning’s new slate of zoning regulation changes including a reduction in the amount of required parking for senior housing developments within half mile of a train station. Tony Shitemi of Urban Architectural Initiatives explained how architects respond to challenges created by the zoning text while Monadnock’s Tobias Oriwol provided the developer’s perspective.
RLN Summer Seminar Series: Overview of HUD’s RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) Program
Date: July 14, 2015 Thanks to NYU Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy for hosting NYHC RLN Summer Seminar on RAD yesterday. The Rising Leader Network hosted an expert panel moderated by Nixon Peabody’s Meghan Altidor on HUD’s Rental Assistance Program as part of its Summer Seminar Series. Nixon Peabody’s Deborah VanAmerongen walked the audience through the history of the RAD program and how it connects older generation HUD rental assistance programs with “newer” ones like LIHTC. Nicole Ferreira outlined NYCHA’s initial forays into the program, stressing their emphasis on tenant protections and touching on the unique challenges RAD presents to a public housing authority. The RAD program was heralded by panelist Roger Harry (NYS HCR) as an exciting and unique tool that allowed the state to tackle the capital needs of the Mitchell-Lama portfolio, including the intricacies of Section 236 decouplings. L+M Development’s Rick Gropper described how RAD is structured to allow developers to take on more debt. However he added that RAD’s unique requirements introduce some new risks.
The Rising Leaders Network is a diverse group of young affordable housing professionals committed to strengthening the industry through public policy, community service and developing ties with other affordable housing professionals.
Name: WILLIAM D’AVELLA, BOARD CO-CHAIR
Organization/Title: Developer, Pennrose
Bio: William D’Avella is a real estate development professional with experience managing the full life cycle of mixed-use, public-private projects with complex financing and partnership structures. William is a Developer at Pennrose where he directs projects in varying stages of development located throughout New York State. He holds a Master’s of Real Estate from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University.
Name: ROBERT POOLE, BOARD CO-CHAIR
Organization/Title: Project Manager, Bronx Pro Group
Bio: Rob Poole is a Project Manager with the development team at Bronx Pro Group. He works closely with lenders, investors, and government agencies to close on construction and permanent financing for the company’s affordable housing properties. In previous roles, he worked at HPD on their Preservation Finance team and at a housing advocacy nonprofit in San Francisco. Rob decided to move to New York after listening to Empire State of Mind every day for a year. He holds a BA in Anthropology from UC Berkeley.
Name: CASSANDRA ANNE O’HEARN
Organization/Title: Urban Planner
Bio: Cassandra is an urban planner dedicated to preserving and developing affordable housing and walkable, diverse neighborhoods. Cassandra currently advocates for equitable development as Membership Committee Chair of the City Planning and Management Division of the American Planning Association and an Associate Board Member of the Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation. Following her passion for exploring cities, Cassandra completed a BA in Public Policy, Planning and Management at the University of Oregon, where she enjoyed a liberal arts education as a student of the Robert D. Clark Honors College. She moved from the West Coast to the West Village to complete her Masters in Urban Planning at New York University Wagner School of Public Service and settled in Fort Greene, Brooklyn after graduation.
Name: SAMUEL BIELE-FISHER
Organization/Title: Vice President of Affordable Housing Services, Bright Power
Bio: Samuel Biele-Fisher is the Manager of Affordable Housing Services at Bright Power, leading energy management and engineering firm that works primarily with multifamily building owners and developers to reduce their utility consumption and spending. Sam specializes in working with affordable and supportive housing providers, including both for-profit and not-for-profit companies and organizations. Prior to joining Bright Power, Sam served as a client and program manager at a local non-profit helping manufacturing companies control their energy usage, locate affordable real estate, and identify government resources so they could continue to operate in New York City. In addition to his professional work at the intersection of energy efficiency and affordable housing development, Sam is a board member of the New York Housing Conference Rising Leaders Network. He has presented twice about energy management and distributed generation at the annual New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) conference and is a member of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) Content Committee that curates programming for its annual BuildingEnergy NYC conference. Sam holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a BPI multifamily building analyst certification. He and his wife live in Brooklyn.
Name: JOANNA CUEVAS
Organization/Title: Senior Development Director, Beacon Communities
Bio:Joanna Cuevas is a Senior Development Director at Beacon Communities. She is based in the New York office and is responsible for the management of development projects in various regions. She comes to Beacon in 2023 with over 15 years of experience in the affordable housing industry and a deep commitment to improving diverse communities by raising capital funding utilizing LIHTC, Tax Exempt Bond, Federal HUD programs, and local sources of financing across multiple regions. This includes the development of “green” and sustainable mixed-use developments utilizing Enterprise Green Communities, LEED, NJ Green Future, NYSERDA, NGBS and Energy Star programs. She has a BA from Pitzer College and a master’s degree in architecture from the Pratt Institute.
Name: LEVI CURNUTTE
Organization/Title: Senior Scientist, Roux Environmental Engineering & Geology
Bio: Levi Curnutte is a Senior Scientist at Roux, a leading full service environmental consulting firm. He has spent more than a decade supporting for-profit and non-profit affordable housing developers. He advises clients through conducting environmental due diligence activities on housing projects as well as helping them navigate local, state, and federal regulatory frameworks while identifying vital funding sources granted to affordable projects undergoing remediation, enabling the project to move forward when it otherwise wouldn’t have been feasible. He aids affordable housing initiatives by working closely with legal teams and funding entities, and by representing stakeholders at public forums. These experiences allowed him to directly observe the substantial positive effects affordable housing projects have on the incoming tenants and the surrounding communities, leading him to naturally become an advocate for the affordable housing industry. Levi holds a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from College of Charleston and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University.
Name: AVERY DEMENT
Organization/Title: Senior Project Manager, Strada Ventures, LLC
Bio: Avery Dement is an urban planner and affordable housing development professional with expertise in the preservation of affordable housing. At Strada, she oversees a variety of real estate transactions, from construction financing for preservation and new construction projects to conversions. She has taught a number of trainings on affordable housing, including a 5-week Underwriting 101 training for ANHD and a Preservation Underwriting and Project Management training for HPD. Prior to her time at Strada, she was an Underwriter at the Low Income Investment Fund and held several titles in HPD’s Preservation Finance Division. She holds a Masters Degree in Urban Planning from Columbia University and a Bachelors Degree from Parsons the New School for Design.
Name: ALISON GLASER
Organization/Title: Senior Project Manager, Development, New York City Housing Development Corporation
Bio:Alison is a Senior Project Manager in Development at the New York City Housing Development Corporation. At HDC, she manages the financing of new construction and preservation projects throughout the City. Prior to joining HDC, Alie worked for the New York Legal Assistance Group as a public benefits caseworker advocating for people experiencing poverty or in crisis. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the New York University Wagner School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University.
Name: DORIS HU
Organization/Title: Executive Director, Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital
Bio: Doris Hu is Executive Director at Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital where she underwrites Freddie and Fannie multifamily affordable housing loans. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Doris worked closely with syndicators and underwrote 4% / 9% LIHTC equity investments, construction loans, and CDFI loans at Santander Bank. Before her time at Santander Bank, she was a Senior Project Manager on the HUD Multifamily Preservation Finance team at NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development where she underwrote Article XI, 420-c tax exemptions for HUD subsidized projects and worked closely with the HUD New York regional office on Land Use Agreements. Doris holds a Master of Real Estate Finance and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from New York University.
Name: MI
CAH HUNTER
Organization/Title: Project Manager, NHP Foundation
Bio: Micah Hunter is currently a Project Manager of the acquisition/development group at The NHP Foundation. He is primarily responsible for the acquisition, management of financing, development, and preservation of multifamily housing in NYC and around the Country. He previously worked as a Senior Project Manager at B&B Urban LLC, a firm that focuses on affordable and supportive housing and some market rate development. At B&B Urban LLC, Micah worked on the adaptive re-use of a six-story historic former commercial structure into live/work lofts apartments and two ground floor commercial spaces in Baltimore, MD (Crook Horner Lofts). Micah also participated in the construction financing of a 170-unit new construction 4% Bond LIHTC two-building project in the Bronx (Williamsbridge Gardens), secured a Project Based Section 8 Award, and lead requisitions in construction. He assisted in the conversion of a 100-unit new construction 4% Bond LIHTC project in Brooklyn as well (Linwood Park Apartments). Micah obtained a Master’s degree in Urban Policy and Management at The New School (Milano) where he focused his studies on community development and real estate finance and is a HPD-HDC Housing Fellow Alumni and Mayor’s Graduate Scholar. He also has extensive social work background as worked seven years in child welfare/juvenile justice at NYC Administration for Children’s Services. Prior to this, he obtained a B.A. in Psychology from Hampton University as well as a Master’s degree in Human Development from Virginia Tech.
Name: JOYCE KWON
Organization/Title: Senior Development Associate, The NRP Group
Bio: Joyce is a Senior Development Associate at the NRP Group, where she focuses on advancing the company’s affordable housing projects in New York State and New York City. She previously served as a director on the New Construction Finance team at NYC’s Department of Housing Development of and Preservation overseeing affordable homeownership and 9% LIHTC projects. Prior to HPD, she worked at the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, where she was an integral part of the policy and communications team that ignited the community land trust movement in NYC. She currently sits on the Young Professionals Board of Habitat for Humanity NYC and Westchester County, where she continues to support the work of providing affordable homeownership opportunities to low- and moderate-income New Yorkers. Joyce hold a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis as well as a Master of Urban Planning degree from NYU Wagner.
Name: NATASHA LEONARD
Organization/Title: Senior Program Officer, Enterprise Community Partners
Bio: Natasha Leonard is a Senior Program Officer at Enterprise Community Partners, where she works to advance housing stability and economic mobility for New Yorkers. With a background spanning the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, she specializes in building cross-sector partnerships and designing programs that create meaningful, lasting impact. Prior to joining Enterprise, Natasha worked at the National League of Cities, providing technical assistance and leading peer learning initiatives to help cities strengthen affordable housing strategies, homeownership opportunities, and homelessness prevention efforts. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the McCourt School at Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts from Sarah Lawrence College.
Name: SABINO VARGAS
Organization/Title: Assistant Law Clerk, Kings County Civil Supreme Court
Bio: Sabino is an Assistant Law Clerk at Kings County Civil Supreme Court handling matrimonial matters. Prior to his current position, Sabino has worked alongside other New York State judges and Assistant Attorney Generals where he has conducted extensive legal research in property and landlord tenant law. As a native New Yorker intent on building a better New York City with housing accessible to all, he recently obtained a law degree and plans on applying his skill set in the Affordable Housing field.
Name: KOLBY WILLIAMS
Organization/Title: Originations, Merchants Capital
Bio: Kolby is currently a Transaction Manager at Merchants Capital. He is primarily responsible for supporting origination efforts for affordable housing transactions in NYC and across the country. He works closely with for-profit and non-profit developers to find the best financing solutions to preserve and build affordable housing. He previously worked as an Underwriter in Freddie Mac’s Affordable Housing Group, where he was responsible for underwriting new construction and preservation transactions with 4%/9% LIHTC. Prior to Freddie Mac, he worked as a development and acquisitions associate at The Warrenton Group, a firm that focuses on affordable housing preservation and development in Washington, DC. Kolby holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Richmond.