by Emily Salomon, Center for Housing Policy
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| Bring Workers Home participants. Courtesy Erin Berzel Photography |
Since 2009, the National Housing Conference has partnered with the National Association of Realtors® to host a series of one-day Bring Workers Home regional forums on workforce housing. On Thursday, December 1, NHC and NAR hosted their ninth and final Bring Workers Home event in this series in Portland, Ore. The event attracted over 90 employers and HR professionals, Realtors®, urban and regional planners, housing and community development leaders, local elected and appointed officials and state HFA representatives from throughout Oregon, Washington, California, Alaska, Utah and Idaho.
The day featured opening remarks from City of Portland Commissioner Nick Fish, who articulated the importance of affordable workforce housing in the Portland area in neighborhoods with access to transit, jobs, schools and other amenities. His comments were followed by three informative and engaging panels that covered topics including why workforce housing matters, lessons from the field, and the importance of partnerships. The panelists provided diverse perspectives of workforce housing including those from state and local government, non-profit and private sector, as well as detailed examples of employer-assisted housing programs.
To learn more about the event and speakers and to access even resources online, click here. Event photos are forthcoming.