Emerging from the pandemic, city leaders, planners, and community stakeholders across the nation are wrestling with what post-pandemic life will look like in their neighborhoods. The pandemic economy has created an unprecedented opportunity to address historic housing supply shortages through adaptive reuse of existing structures into affordable housing. Former commercial, retail, and office space – often located near job centers and transportation hubs – can be ideal opportunities for new housing, but how does this work in practice? What policy levers and financial resources are required to make these projects a reality?

This webinar explored the conversion of commercial and retail spaces into affordable housing, highlighting the elements required for successful and common barriers that can hinder adaptive reuse. Panelists discussed the roles of local government, developers, financial institutions, and others to facilitate these conversions, including building codes and zoning requirements, partnerships, creative financing solutions, and the politics of making it all come together. This webinar was the third in a series sponsored by NeighborWorks America.

Panelists

Mike Kingsella is the Chief Executive Officer of Up for Growth, a national, cross-sector member network committed to solving the housing shortage and affordability crisis through data-driven research and evidence-based policy.

David Garcia is the Policy Director for the Terner Center. He leads the center’s engagement in local, state and federal housing policy and supports the generation of research-driven policy ideas, proposals, and papers. View David’s presentation here.

Abygail C. Mangar is a program manager within the National League of Cities’ Center for City Solutions.

Antoine Bryant is Director of Planning and Development for the City of Detroit and a member of the board of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He is a thought leader and community engagement expert with over 25 years of experience in the planning & design, development, and empowerment of underserved communities across the US.

Amy Casciani is Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development at the Pathstone Corporation. View Amy’s presentation here.