About The Summit

Wayne County Community College District and Neighborhood Service Organization are proud to host the Hometown Summit: A Vision for Affordable Housing, a solutions-focused conversation bringing together leaders across housing, government, finance, development, education, and community services to address one of Detroit’s most urgent challenges: affordable housing.
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This summit will convene policymakers, developers, advocates, funders, landlords, courts, service providers, educators, and community stakeholders to explore practical, collaborative solutions that support long-term housing stability and regional growth.
As housing affordability pressures continue to rise across Detroit and communities nationwide, meaningful cross-sector partnerships and action-oriented dialogue are more important than ever.

Attendees will also have opportunities to network and connect with leaders working across housing, nonprofit, government, finance, and development sectors.

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Keynote Speaker
Marcia L. Fudge
Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
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Event Moderators Include
Linda Little
President & CEO
Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO)

Adam Hollier
Former Michigan State Senator
Former Director of Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

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Event Agenda & Featured Discussions

Welcome & Introductions
Opening remarks from Linda Little, President & CEO of Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), and Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, Chancellor of Wayne County Community College District.

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Keynote Address
​The Honorable Marcia L. Fudge
Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

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Panel 1 | THE VISION
Presenting a vision for affordable housing and regional success.
Moderated by: Linda Little & Adam Hollier
Featuring: Marcia L. Fudge

Panel 2 | THE REALITY
"Can We Sustain the Housing Market?" – Practical construction challenges and inventory opportunities.

• Julie Schneider, City of Detroit Housing & Revitalization Department
• Real Estate Association of Developers (READ)
• 36th District Court Landlord-Tenant Division
• Home builders and housing funders

Panel 3 | THE NEED
Shining a light on who needs housing and the structural battles being fought.
Featuring:

• Detroit District Action (DA)
• Bishop Charles H. Ellis III (focusing on youth aging out of foster care)
• Cheree Thomas (Domestic Violence Advocacy)
• Domestic violence advocacy leaders
• Right to Counsel experts

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Closing Remarks
Closing reflections and next steps presented by Adam Hollier.

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Topics Include

• Housing affordability and regional growth
• Construction and development challenges
• Housing inventory and sustainability
• Housing stability and eviction systems
• Cross-sector collaboration and innovation
• Workforce and community impact

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Who Should Attend?

• Policymakers and government leaders
• Developers and housing professionals
• Nonprofit and community organizations
• Funders and financial institutions
• Housing advocates and service providers
• Educators and workforce leaders
• Community stakeholders

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Register for the Summit

​Admission is free, but registration is encouraged as seating is limited.
Join policymakers, developers, advocates, funders, and community leaders for an important regional conversation focused on building collaborative housing solutions for Detroit’s future.

REGISTER NOW