There is no better way to celebrate visionary affordable housing work, spend time with your friends and colleagues, support the work of the National Housing Conference, and have a great time than attending THE housing event of the year. So, mark your calendar for June 11 and get ready for an unforgettable night at The Anthem in Washington, DC! The Annual Housing Visionary Awards Gala unites more than 500 housers from across the country for an evening filled with celebration, recognition, and networking. Take a moment to explore photos and videos from last year’s event and see for yourself why it’s considered the premier housing event of the year!
This year’s honorees are trailblazers in housing, community development, government, and civil rights—leaders who are tackling the affordable housing crisis head-on and making a lasting impact. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity and confirm your participation or sponsorship today.
The 2025 Housing Visionary Award honorees are Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, and Renee Lewis Glover, Founder and Managing Member, The Catalyst Group, LLC and former CEO of Atlanta Housing Authority. The Honorable Mel Martinez, former U.S. Senator and former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will receive the Carl A.S. Coan, Sr., Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service.
The Housing Visionary Award and the Carl A.S. Coan, Sr., Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service are the highest honors in the affordable housing and community development field. These awards recognize individuals who have shown outstanding leadership, commitment, and a transformative impact on communities.
- Renee Lewis Glover is widely recognized as a dynamic and purpose-driven leader who has redefined the conversation around public and subsidized housing, setting a new benchmark for affordable housing and economic development.
- Marc H. Morial has been a tireless advocate for equity, employment, housing, and voting rights, leading initiatives such as the Urban Empowerment Center in Harlem, which integrates affordable housing with economic opportunity.
- Senator Mel Martinez has exemplified public service through his impactful work on housing issues during his time as a U.S. Senator, HUD Secretary, and Mayor of Orange County, Florida, influencing policies that strengthen and uplift communities. Together, their leadership has created a lasting legacy of stronger, more inclusive neighborhoods.
The Gala kicks off at 5:30 pm with a networking reception, leading into dinner and the much-anticipated awards ceremony. The evening culminates with a Dessert reception, offering another chance to network with fellow housers. To show your support for the Gala and NHC, we encourage you to explore our sponsorship opportunities or purchase tickets to further the work of ensuring everyone is able to live in a quality, affordable home in a thriving community. Below is a sample of the sponsorships available:
- Advocate ($15,000) – includes a Gala table with preferred seating, a full-page ad and listing in the Gala tribute book, promotion in printed and electronic marketing materials, acknowledgment in the opening and closing media presentations, and prominent listing of company logo, name, and website link on event webpage.
- Champion ($10,000) – includes a Gala table with preferred seating, a half-page ad and listing in the Gala tribute book, and a range of promotional opportunities.
- Opportunity Builder ($5,000) – includes five Gala tickets and a quarter-page ad in the Gala tribute book.
- Friend ($3,500) – includes two Gala tickets and a quarter-page ad in the Gala tribute book.
If you can’t attend this year’s Gala or don’t need additional tickets, you can still show your support by placing an ad in the Gala tribute book. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s honorees or highlight your commitment to our mission. Tribute ads start at $750 for a quarter page and go up to $2,500 for a full page. You can also choose to have your name listed for $250. Learn more about these opportunities here.
I hope you will join us in honoring these truly visionary housing leaders on June 11 at The Anthem. Please visit our website at nhc.org/event/gala or contact NHC’s Chief Operating Officer, Amanda Mitchell, at amitchell@nhc.org for more information.