D-2: Housing of the Future: A Conversation with HUD MFH & FHEO

HUD; HUD RSC  – 1 Credit Hour | Wednesday, June 5th. 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM

Session Description:

This engaging discussion on the future of affordable senior housing will be moderated by Chaundi Randolph from Nixon Peabody, with representatives from HUD’s Multifamily Housing (MFH) and Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) offices. In this session, MFH will delve into the policies and priorities shaping the landscape of affordable senior housing, envisioning a future that is more age-friendly, resilient, efficient, and sustainable. FHEO will provide insights into current policies, rules, and regulatory frameworks, focusing on fostering diversity, equity, and reasonable accommodations in senior affordable housing. Together, we will explore the intersection of asset management, fair housing, and the future of senior housing.

Learning Objectives:

Identify key policies and priorities that are shaping the landscape of affordable senior housing.

Explore strategies for enhancing age-friendly design, resiliency, and sustainability of affordable senior housing.

Analyze the current landscape of senior affordable housing with a focus on fostering diversity, equity, and reasonable accommodation.

Discuss opportunities for increased efficiency on work processes and coordination between HUD & providers of affordable senior housing.

Speakers:

Chaundi Randolph, Counsel, Nixon Peabody

Balenda Nelson-Gomes, Program Compliance Branch Chief, HUD FHEO

Balenda Nelson-Gomes is a Branch Chief in the HUD Region II FHEO Program Compliance Division. Ms. Nelson-Gomes began her tenure with the Department in September 2007 as an Equal Opportunity Specialist. In March 2020 she was promoted to Branch Chief. Ms. Nelson-Gomes currently supervises a team of five Equal Opportunity Specialists and one Pathways Intern. She is grateful to supervise such a “rockstar” team of deeply committed fair housing and civil rights advocates. FHEO’s Region II Program Compliance Division monitors civil rights related issues and has programmatic oversight for New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands 2,500 -plus recipients of Federal financial assistance. Ms. Nelson-Gomes and her team monitor HUD funded CPD entitlement communities, Public Housing Authorities and Multifamily properties and provides technical assistance on a wide range of civil rights related topics and HUD’s civil rights laws.

Christine Martinez, Equal Opportunity Specialist, HUD/FHEO Region II

Dean Santa, Asset Management Division Director, MFH HUD NorthEast Region

Natasha Saxton, Branch Chief, MFH HUD NorthEast Region