Suburban Housing Conference to Tackle Affordability Challenges in Central Indiana

LarryInFishers.com

 

As Central Indiana communities face increasing housing costs, rapid population growth, and evolving workforce needs, HAND Inc. is convening local leaders and experts to discuss innovative solutions at the 2025 Suburban Housing Conference. Scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, at the IMMI Conference Center in Westfield, the event is presented by the Hamilton County Community Foundation.

Now in its 11th year, the conference serves as a critical forum for elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit professionals, and real estate experts to address one of Indiana’s most pressing issues: ensuring suburban housing is accessible and sustainable for all residents.

This year’s theme, “Building the Future: Housing Solutions for Thriving Suburbs,” highlights the importance of collaboration and action. The event will feature interactive discussions and case studies from communities making progress in housing development and affordability. Key sessions include:

  • Public Involvement Drives Change – Examining zoning reform, land use policies, and public initiatives that are expanding housing options.
  • Charity Begins with Home – Exploring the role of philanthropic and mission-driven organizations in housing investments, partnerships, and land donations.
  • How Cross-Sector Partnerships Are Delivering Housing Solutions – Showcasing collaborations between employers and economic development leaders addressing workforce housing challenges.

A major highlight of the conference will be the keynote address by the Housing Narrative Lab, a national organization that helps reframe public conversations around affordable housing. The session aims to equip attendees with strategies to shift community dialogue from skepticism to shared values and long-term solutions.

Confirmed speakers include:

  • Mayor Matt Gentry, City of Lebanon
  • Christine Owens, Town of Cumberland
  • Sarah Reed, City of Noblesville
  • Jim Morris, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis
  • Danielle Stiles-Polk, Hamilton County Community Foundation
  • Karen Simon, GXO Logistics
  • Ron Walker, CFC Properties (Cook Medical Workforce Housing)

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Registration opens at 8:00 AM)
Location: IMMI Conference Center, 18880 N East St, Westfield, IN
Registration: Open now at https://bit.ly/SHC2025
Cost: $150 per person; tables and sponsorship opportunities available
Elected Officials: Attend free of charge (RSVP to kerri@handincorporated.org)

Andrea Davis, Executive Director of HAND Inc., emphasized the significance of the conference in addressing the region’s housing challenges. “Affordable housing isn’t just a big city issue—it’s a suburban issue, a workforce issue, and a quality-of-life issue. This conference brings together people who are serious about solutions, and we’re proud to help lead that conversation in Indiana.”

For more information about the 2025 Suburban Housing Conference, registration, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.handincorporated.org or contact Kerri at kerri@handincorporated.org.