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About Housing Washington
Housing Washington is Washington state’s most significant resource for affordable housing guidance, innovation, and solutions.
Housing Washington is led by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce and Washington Housing Alliance Education Network, the annual conference enhances the skills, vision, and understanding of professionals working in affordable housing in Washington state and challenges them to work toward racial equity and social justice.
The event presents a comprehensive educational program, including special events and networking opportunities, designed to cultivate conversations, collaborations, and productive engagement to advance an affordable housing agenda that serves to break down barriers for people of color and others who have been systemically excluded.
SPECIAL EVENTS AT HOUSING WASHINGTON
Spokane Low‑Income Housing Tour
Discover innovative affordable housing solutions in Spokane. This guided tour, presented by Spokane Low-Income Housing, includes three unique properties, offering participants the chance to see sites firsthand, hear directly from project leaders, and learn about funding models, partnerships, and community impact.
Only 40 spots are available — these tours fill quickly so register today.
Date: October 20, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM –4:00 PM
Departure: Vans leave promptly at 1 PM from the Spokane Convention Center pullout
2026 Tour Sites: Spokane Housing Authority; Catalyst Project, Catholic Charities Eastern Washington; Liberty Park Expansion (including Early Learning Facility)
FREE VIRTUAL SESSIONS:
Housing Washington 2026 Registrants
Washington Housing Alliance Education Network is presenting nine bonus post conference tracks of live, virtual programming following Housing Washington 2026. These sessions are free for Housing Alliance members and all registered Housing Washington 2026 attendees.
Dates: October 27–30, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM –3:45 PM daily
Session Lineup
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Reducing Barriers, Expanding Access — Strategies for Low‑Barrier Service Delivery
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Functional Zero in Washington: Part 1 — Statewide Overview
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Functional Zero in Washington: Part 2 — Hearing from Local Communities
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Overview of the Homeless Crisis Response System
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Protecting Legal Rights — A Safety Net to Prevent Homelessness
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Beyond the Client Survey & Suggestion Box — Collective Inquiry & Co‑Constructing Solutions
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Caring for Community During and After Overdose
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Legislative Advocacy to End YYA Homelessness
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Understanding the Shelter Not Penalties Act
Although free for all Housing Washington 2026 registrants you must register to attend the virtual sessions.
MEET OUR 2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Join us at Housing Washington 2026to hear from these powerful speakers.
OPENING SPEAKER
Melvin J. Kelley IV
We’re honored to announce that Melvin J. Kelley IV will open Housing Washington 2026 with a powerful, future‑focused conversation on justice, policy, and the systems that influence access to opportunity — themes at the heart of Washington’s housing landscape.
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LUNCH PANEL
The National Housing Landscape: Policy, Politics, and Path Forward
Join us for a dynamic panel of experts to discuss housing affordability, a top issue in the 2026 elections. Hear from our Speakers who understand the historical roots of these debates can help audiences critically assess the promises and pitfalls of current proposals.
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Ann Oliva, National Alliance to End Homelessness
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Jennifer Schwartz, National Council of State Housing Agencies
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Renee Willis, National Low Income Housing Coalition
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Moderated by Representative Nicole Macri of the Washington State House of Representatives
CLOSING SPEAKER
Bakari Sellers
We are thrilled to welcome Bakari Sellers—two‑time New York Times best‑selling author, civil rights activist, attorney, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized commentator—as a featured speaker to close Housing Washington 2026.
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OPENING PANEL
STATE LEGISLATIVE ROUNDTABLE
The popular and regular feature of Housing Washington over the years, the State Legislative Roundtable, is now a luncheon plenary. Now you won’t have to miss out as Rachael Myers of the Washington Housing Alliance Education Network as she leads a lively discussion with state lawmakers and staff on policies and laws related to affordable housing and ending homelessness. Watch for more details on legislators joining this first-time plenary session.
Be a catalyst for change – sponsorship powers what’s next.
Join Washington’s largest affordable housing event. Support an industry leading program, elevate your brand, and help open doors to diverse voices across our housing community. Sponsorship spots – including limited exhibit spaces – are filling quickly. Don’t miss your opportunity. Sign up and pledge your support today.
Presenting the 2026 Platinum Sponsor Hilltop Securities
2026 PLATINUM SPONSOR
Thank you to our Housing WA platinum sponsor, Hilltop Securities. We appreciate your continued support!
Thank you to 2026 Housing Washington sponsors!
