New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency

DCA & HMFA Host 2010 Governor's Conference on Housing and Community Development

For Immediate Release:
September 23, 2010
Contact:
Press Office
,
(609) 292-6055

Renowned Architect and Designer Michael Graves to Deliver Keynote Address at 16th Annual Conference

TRENTON, N.J. – Community Affairs Commissioner Lori Grifa will welcome world-renowned architect and designer Michael Graves, FAIA, to this year's 2010 Governor's Conference on Housing and Community Development Conference on Tuesday, September 28. Graves will give the keynote speech during the two-day conference entitled "Opening Doors," which will focus on teaching participants innovative, sustainable ways that they can develop housing and community development projects in their communities. State housing professionals, government officials and community organizations will gather for the conference on September 28 and 29 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

"With the economy still very much in flux, it can often seem doors to opportunity are shut, especially in today’s housing industry. This year's conference will offer innovative ways housing professionals can begin 'Opening Doors' to projects that make a positive difference in our communities," said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Lori Grifa.

The conference will feature five workshop tracks, each of which will focus on different aspects of housing deals. The workshop session topics range from supportive housing, homelessness prevention and affordable housing design to energy efficient retrofits, tax credits, financing strategies and urban agriculture.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from celebrated architect and New Jersey native Michael Graves, who has been at the forefront of architecture and design since he founded his practice in 1964. Recently, Graves' distinguished, critically-acclaimed career evolved along a two-fold path: one specialized in architecture and interior design and the other focused on product and graphic design. He has designed more than 350 buildings worldwide including the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Hotels, as well as the award-winning Human Building in Louisville, Kentucky.

Critic Paul Goldberger, writing in The New York Times, called Graves, "truly the most original voice in American architecture."

"We thank Michael Graves and the more than 100 speakers from all areas of the housing industry who will share their expertise with participants and answer questions," said HMFA Executive Director Anthony Marchetta. "This conference is also an occasion for attendees to network, exchange information and generate innovative ways to meet the housing needs of New Jersey residents."

Conference highlights include:

Tuesday, September 28
Keynote Address Luncheon - 12:15 p.m.
DCA Commissioner Lori Grifa
Michael Graves, FAIA

Bus Tour of Atlantic City Community Development Projects – 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Participants will tour Atlantic City's community development projects and learn how they are opening doors for a more sustainable future. The leader of the tour, Susan Ney Thomson, is a trained planner and Chief Operating Officer at the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). Since its inception in 1984, CRDA has worked to transform this city by the shore into a destination that is a great place to live, work, and play.

Wednesday, September 29
Excellence in Housing Awards Luncheon – 12:30 p.m.
The HMFA will honor eight organizations and two individuals for work that has demonstrated outstanding housing development in such areas as affordable housing, green/sustainable development, supportive housing and urban revitalization.

The annual Governor's Conference on Housing and Community Development is sponsored by the Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, a DCA affiliate. For further information about the conference, please call (609) 278-7400, or log on to www.nj-hmfa.com.