We often say that housing is local. Markets are unique, as are the communities that they work within. In the world of housing policy, we know that what works for some does not necessarily work for all, and nuance is often key to success. In that spirit, it sometimes bears reminding that housing is not only the work of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is also the work of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.
Our rural communities offer unique challenges and rich opportunities. These themes will be explored in a no-cost online conference from the National Housing Conference (NHC), in partnership with NeighborWorks® America, that will bring together leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and community stakeholders committed to revitalizing and empowering rural America. Click here to register today.
The event will spotlight actionable approaches to sustainable rural development, with a focus on increasing housing supply, expanding access to technology and infrastructure, and improving credit availability to support strong local economies. Through practitioner-led discussions, attendees will learn strategies that are making a measurable impact in rural communities across the nation.
The first panel, “Building Community Wealth: Local Economies and Small Business Development,” will focus on one of the most critical foundations of rural prosperity: reliable and affordable access to credit. Without it, small businesses struggle to grow, entrepreneurs face barriers to entry, and communities are limited in their ability to build long-term wealth.
Moderated by Nadia Villagrán, Vice President and Rural LISC Director at LISC, the panel will explore how partnerships are expanding lending infrastructure and unlocking capital in underserved rural areas. Panelists will examine how federal funding, private sector collaboration, and mission-driven financial institutions can be leveraged to meet local needs.
Panelists include Farah Ahmad, President of Partners for Rural Transformation; Lori Finnesand, CEO of Grow South Dakota; and Ryan Green, SVP for Lending and Investment at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI). Together, they bring deep experience rooted in rural communities that have responded to local needs.
The discussion will highlight how Community Development Financial Institutions are overcoming barriers such as limited infrastructure, policy constraints, and investment gaps by deploying flexible financing tools and forming strategic partnerships. Panelists will share real-world examples of how access to capital can strengthen small businesses, create jobs, and build resilient local economies—demonstrating that targeted investment in rural America delivers meaningful returns.
The second panel, “Community Foundations: Affordable Housing Development in Rural America,” will turn attention to another essential pillar of rural prosperity: safe, affordable, and quality housing. As housing costs rise and supply remains constrained, rural communities face distinct challenges that require tailored solutions.
Moderated by Jonathan Harwitz, Director of Public Policy at the Housing Assistance Council, the panel will explore the unique housing environment in rural areas and identify promising strategies to increase and sustain affordable housing. Discussions will emphasize capacity-building for rural organizations and the importance of scalable, place-based models.
Panelists include Larry Phillips, Real Estate Lending Director at NeighborWorks® Montana; Tom Collishaw, President & CEO of Self-Help Enterprises; Geoffrey Barton, President & CEO of Mountain Housing Opportunities; Carrie Davis, President of Wealth Watchers; and Chad Adams, CEO of Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership.
Drawing from diverse regional experiences, panelists will discuss innovative housing approaches such as modular and manufactured housing, public-private partnerships, and community-led revitalization efforts. These models demonstrate how rural communities can overcome development barriers, attract investment, and meet housing needs while preserving local contexts and maintaining affordability.
The conversation will also highlight the critical role of community foundations and nonprofit developers in bridging gaps between public resources and private capital, ensuring that housing development aligns with long-term community goals.
This online convening offers attendees an opportunity to learn from leaders who are actively advancing affordable housing, expanding access to capital, and strengthening local economies in rural areas. As rural communities continue to navigate economic change, the strategies shared during this conference will help chart a path toward inclusive growth and lasting prosperity.