August 24

AGENDA

Registration, Expo & Networking

11:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Stop by the registration desk to pick up your summit badge.

11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Participate in the Expo, which features NeighborWorks America, LISC, Community Loan Center of America, Black Squirrel, People & Places Collaborative, and Community Opportunity Alliance Research tables.

Lunch Buffet

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Mix and mingle with Summit participants before the opening session.

Summit Opening

1:30 – 3:00 PM — Narragansett Ballroom
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  • Community Recovery After Immigration Enforcement Actions
    Immigration enforcement actions can have ripple effects on families, employers, schools, housing stability, and local economies. Much like other community-wide disruptions, recovery often depends on trusted local institutions and strong partnerships that can help communities regain stability and confidence over time.

    This plenary will bring together leaders from Minneapolis, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles to examine how community development organizations and their partners have responded in the weeks and months following major enforcement actions. Speakers will share lessons on recovery, trust-building, cross-sector collaboration, and the long-term work of strengthening community resilience in the face of disruption.

    Speakers:
    • Kari Johnson, Director of State Policy & Field Building, Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers
    • Michael Browning, Convener Facilitator, SECURE CA
    • Steve Glaude, President/CEO, The Coalition DC
    • Emi Reyes, Chief Executive Officer, Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC)

  • CRA Briefing: What’s at Stake for Community Development
    Federal regulators have proposed changes to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) that put billions of dollars at stake for community development and the people we serve. Community development associations will play a critical role in mobilizing the field to defend CRA. Learn about the proposed rule, what it means for communities, and why our field must act during the public comment period. 

    Speakers:
    • Frank Woodruff, Executive Director, Community Opportunity Alliance
    • Additional speaker to be announced

Choose a Lightning Round Session

3:30 – 5:00 PM

Each session includes three short presentations followed by Q&A with all of the speakers.

Lightning Round Session – Policy & Partnerships

3:30 – 5:00 PM — Narragansett Ballroom

This session includes three short lightning presentations:

  • Housing Policy Is Having a Bipartisan Moment
    State legislatures across the country are finding new ways to advance housing supply and affordability, often with bipartisan support. Drawing on Pew's latest research, this lightning round will highlight the common principles behind the most successful state housing reforms, the policy changes gaining traction across political divides, and what community development associations can do to help shape the next generation of housing policy in their own states. Participants will leave with practical insights and a framework for advancing housing solutions at the state level.

    Speaker:
    • Linlin Liang, Principal Associate, Housing Policy Initiative, Pew Charitable Trusts

  • Illinois CRA in Action
    Learn how a coalition of nonprofit organizations — co-led by Housing Action Illinois and Woodstock Institute — worked to get the Illinois Community Reinvestment Act passed. Find out about its rules, a companion disparity study bill, and the ongoing ups-and-downs of getting it effectively implemented. This discussion will include suggested strategies and example outreach toolkits to best position your state to do something similar. 

    Speaker:
  • Eight Characteristics of Effective Collaborations
    Community development associations and their partners rely on collaboration to accomplish what no organization can do alone. This lightning session introduces eight characteristics of effective collaborations that help partnerships move beyond good intentions to shared action. You will come away with practical ideas to evaluate, strengthen, and sustain collaborative relationships in their own communities.

    Speaker:
    • Bob Zdenek, Interim Executive Director, California Community Economic Development Association

Lightning Round – Solutions & Expertise

3:30 - 5:00 PM — Newport/Washington

This session will include three lightning presentations:

  • Level Up Your Network with NeighborWorks Professional Learning
    Looking to elevate the skills across your network? Learn how the premier professional learning provider for the community development field can help. Get an overview of NeighborWorks America's full training portfolio — instructor-led courses, online and self-guided learning, webinars, and customized group training designed for teams and member organizations. Find out how to use their professional learning services to increase staff capacity, meet professional development goals, stay current with industry trends, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

    Speakers:
    • Paul Singh, Vice President, Community Initiatives, NeighborWorks America
    • Doug Sessions, Senior Vice President, Training, NeighborWorks America

  • Small Business Support & Solutions
    Strong technical assistance starts with understanding where a business is today. This session explores how the BizScoreLine tool can help organizations evaluate the needs, strengths, and growth opportunities of small businesses in a consistent, data-informed way. Learn how assessment data can be used to tailor technical assistance, strengthen program delivery, and connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build long-term stability and growth.

    Speaker:
  • A Scalable Alternative to Predatory Lending
    Learn about a scalable and sustainable alternative to predatory payday and auto-title lending. The Community Loan Center program operates in markets across the country by engaging reputable community-based lenders to provide access to fairly-priced consumer credit. Hear from the person who created this program and find out how you can bring it to your state or region.

    Speaker:
  • Matt Hull, Executive Director, Texas Association of CDCs

Regional Caucus Dinners

6:00 PM — Local Restaurants

Members only: COA will host dinners at local restaurants for our Midwest, Southern, Eastern, and Western Caucuses. Connect with peers from your region of the country.