A few weeks ago, Sheila Bair, chairwomen of the FDIC, gave a speech that has since caused a bit of a rumble among affordable housing’s advocates and detractors alike. Bair questioned the political and psychological priority that America has placed on the ideal of homeownership for decades – our nation-wide ambition that Bair said led to an “unsustainable” homeownership rate that peaked at 69% a few years before the crash. Barry Zigas, a member of NHC’s Board of Governors, has a nice summary that puts Bair’s comments in perspective.
As it turns out, the venue for Bair’s speech, the Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers (HAND) Annual Awards Luncheon, was in honor of Conrad Egan, NHC immediate past president and CEO.
Conrad’s four decade career in housing is as full of achievements as it is people he has touched through his work. HAND’s “President’s Choice Award” honors Conrad for his advocacy work and contributions to developing creative and innovative housing solutions.