As the landscape of housing evolves, so do the expectations for senior living and residences for physically challenged young adults. This panel brings together experts to share their insights on emerging design trends for apartments and communal spaces. Drawing from real-world experience, panelists will explore how thoughtful design and integrated services can foster community engagement and support residents’ evolving personal needs. The conversation will also touch on recent local policy advancements—such as Montgomery County’s newly adopted zoning and tax incentive measures to convert underused office buildings into much-needed housing. 

Moderator

• Evelyn Howard, President, Howard & Associates

Panelist

• Donald Tucker, President of AHD Affordable Housing Developers
• Tom Vellenga, Executive Director, Communities Together
• Timothy Wiens, Executive Director for Maryland Inclusive Housing (MIA) and Executive Director of Jubilee

The More Housing N.O.W. legislative package in Montgomery County aims to increase affordable housing opportunities for middle-class residents. Its key initiatives include expanding workforce housing, converting vacant commercial properties for residential use, and creating new pathways to homeownership. This panel will explore the components of the legislation and its potential impact on the community. 

Moderator

• Jason Sartori, Director of the Montgomery County Planning Department

Panelist

• Carrie Kisicki, Montgomery County Advocacy Manager for the Coalition for Smarter Growth and Coordinator for Montgomery for All
• Councilmember Andrew Friedson, Chair - Planning, Housing, and Parks Committee 
• Casey Anderson, Rodgers Consulting

The Purple Line is a nationally significant light rail transit project currently under construction in Maryland’s Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, just outside Washington, D.C. Since breaking ground in 2016, the project has already spurred

substantial mixed-use development around station areas. Scheduled to begin revenue service in 2027, the Purple Line

represents a major investment in regional connectivity and economic growth.

Moderator

• Ralph Bennett, Principal - Bennett, Frank

Panelist 

•  Sheila Somashekhar, Executive Director - Purple Line Corridor Coalition
• Councilmember Evan Glass, Transportation and Environment Committee
• Elza Hisel-McCoy, Chief of Down-County Planning, Montgomery County Park and Planning

In March 2025, the County Council established a working group to explore alternatives to the current revenue sources supporting public school, transportation, and park capital projects. These sources include impact and recordation taxes, park impact payments, State aid, and general obligation bonds. This panel will feature perspectives from the development, real estate, and civic sectors on both existing and potential funding mechanisms. Panelists will also examine how changes to infrastructure financing could affect the availability and affordability of housing. 

 Moderator

• Kathleen (Kate) Stewart, President, Montgomery County Council

Panelist 

• Sylke Knuppel, P.E., Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.
• Samantha Damato, Long & Foster and President, Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR)
• Glenn Orlin, former Deputy Staff Director and Capital Program Coordinator, Montgomery County Council 

Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) are a key component of Climate Action Plans being adopted across the

country and are currently under development in both Maryland and Montgomery County. This session will explore the intent,

requirements, and compliance strategies associated with BEPS, with a particular focus on their potential impacts on affordable

housing. As these standards will apply to existing buildings, they may require significant—and costly—modifications, posing

challenges for property owners and housing providers alike.

Moderator 

• Greg Goldstein, Architect, Member of Building Energy Improvement Board

Panelist

• Sheena Oliver, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Improvement Board 
• Adam Landsman, President PulseIQ, Benchmarking, Audits 
• Todd Dorian, Victory Housing

Limited resources continue to be one of the most significant challenges in preventing homelessness. This panel brings together advocates from local, state, and national levels to share how government agencies and housing service providers are finding innovative ways to maximize resources. Panelists will share the challenges they've encountered and highlight effective solutions advancing their efforts to end homelessness. 

Moderator

•  Danielle Meister, DHCD - Assistant Secretary, Division of Homeless Solutions

Panelist

• Christine Hong, Montgomery County Health and Human Services, Chief to End and Prevent Homelessness
• Lawanda Williams, Healthcare for the Homeless, Chief Behavioral Health Officer
• Marcy Thompson, National Alliance to End Homelessness,  Vice President of Programs and Policy
• Mary Hunter, Housing Initiative Partnership, Director of Housing Counseling and Services

In today’s volatile market, financing affordable housing has become more complex than ever. This panel will explore what funding sources and programs are still available—and how developers, housing advocates, and policymakers can navigate the current financial landscape. Panelists will break down key financing tools, share updates on federal and local programs, and offer practical insights into how projects are getting funded despite rising costs, interest rate pressure, and shifting market conditions. Whether you're working on new developments, preservation, or policy, this discussion will help you better understand where the money is—and how to access it. 

Moderator

• Trevor S. Tolbert, Sr. Vice President, PNC Multifamily Capital

Panelist

• Joshua B. Silver, Senior Fellow, National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC)
•  Donald Nuzzio, VP of Development, TM Associates
• Sharon Bollers, Director of Lending, Enterprise Community Loan Fund

With mortgage rates soaring and housing affordability hitting new lows, more individuals and families are turning to rentals—whether by choice or necessity. At the same time, rental availability is shrinking and costs are climbing, creating new challenges for both renters and buyers alike. So where does that leave the long-held dream of homeownership? This timely panel will explore the shifting dynamics between rental housing and home ownership. We'll break down the latest market trends, including how unexpected forces—like the rise of DOGE —may be influencing housing decisions. Bringing together diverse perspectives, this panel features insights from HUD Multifamily, seasoned developers, and realtors. 

Moderator

• Scott Bruton, Director - MoCo Department of Housing and Community Affairs

Panelist

•  Natali Fani-Gonzalez, Montgomery County Council Member
• Nihar Shah, VP of Real Estate - HOC
• Jen Larson, Director of Asset Management - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Mynor Herrera, Realtor