August 26

AGENDA

Registration - Badge Pickup

7:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Providence Mayor Q&A

9:00 – 10:00 AM

Speakers:
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Sucession Planning & Internal Hiring: Best Practices from an Expert

10:30 – 11:45 AM

The Federal Landscape: Policy & Funding

10:30 – 11:45 AM

Hear directly from national policy experts on the federal developments that matter most for community development associations. This session breaks down the latest federal priorities, funding developments, and emerging issues — with a focus on what they mean to your networks and the communities you serve. Leave better equipped to plan, advocate, and respond in the months ahead. 

Speakers:
  • Chloe Grainger, Director of Policy and Advocacy, National NeighborWorks Association (NNA)
  • TBD, Senator Reed (Staffer - TBD)
  • Dafina Williams, Executive Vice President, Chief Public Policy Officer and Head of Government Affairs, Opportunity Finance Network (OFN)
  • Dawne Troupe (Moderator), People & Places Collaborative Advocacy Director, Community Opportunity Alliance

Strengthening Small Business Ecosystems: The Unique Role of Associations

10:30 – 11:45 AM

Community development associations strengthen small business ecosystems in all kinds of ways — by providing direct services and programs, coordinating resources, convening partners, advancing policy, and more. In this peer-learning session, a panel of COA members will discuss successful initiatives, explaining how they carved out particularly impactful roles for their associations. Then, during a structured discussion with peers, you’ll reflect on your organizations’ role in your ecosystem and envision new ways to support small businesses.

Speakers:
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  • Evette Banfield, Chief Economic Development Officer, The Coalition
  • Yari DeJesus, Director of Economic Development, Massachusetts Association of Community
  • Joanna Winchester, Director of Training & Technical Assistance, Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations
  • Heidi Schoonover  (moderator), Managing Director of CRA Strategic Programs & Initiatives, Truist

Building Future Leaders From Within

12:15 – 1:30 PM

When emerging professionals and established leaders are in real conversation, the most effective ideas for career development rise to the surface. That's exactly what this session is designed for. Through a series of structured small group discussions, you'll explore practical strategies for embedding career development into everyday organizational practice — even when resources are limited, staff time is stretched, and career paths are not always clear. First, you'll connect with peers at a similar career stage, then mix across experience levels to broaden the conversation. Leave with fresh perspectives and at least one concrete action you can bring back to your organization. 

Speakers:
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  • Chanse Sonsalla (Staff), Applied Research Manager, Community Opportunity Alliance
  • Emily Reyst (Facilitator) 
  • Julia Robinson (Facilitator), Member Capacity Manager, Ohio Community Development Corporation Association

The Affordable Housing Insurance Challenge: What’s Changed and What Comes Next

12:15 – 1:30 PM

Insurance costs continue to rise, coverage is becoming harder to secure, and the impacts are being felt across affordable housing and community development. This session will bring together leaders from across the field to discuss the latest trends, emerging strategies, and policy developments affecting insurance for housing providers and community development organizations. Building on previous Community Opportunity Alliance conversations, participants will share recent experiences, explore practical responses, and identify opportunities for continued collaboration on one of the field's most pressing challenges.

Speakers:
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  • Matt Hull, Executive Director, Texas Association of CDCs
  • Daniel Elkin, Chief Strategy Officer, Come Dream Come Build Brownsville

Heirs' Property

12:15 – 1:30 PM

Speakers:
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  • Claudia Wilson Randall, Executive Director, Community Development Network of Maryland
  • Chanel Starks, Senior Program Officer, Affordable Housing, LISC Cleveland

Closing Plenary/DS Award

2:15 – 3:00 PM

Speaker:
• Paige Carlson-Heim, TD Bank