The Wake County Housing Symposium: Aligning for Impact
April 21, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Junction West, 310 S. West St., Raleigh, NC 27603
Where Policy, Partnership, and Innovation Meet.
Starts in
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
Wake County’s first Housing Symposium brings together leaders across sectors to align strategies, share progress, and drive collective action toward housing affordability. Through data, dialogue, and partnership, this event explores how Wake County and its partners are advancing equitable housing solutions, scaling innovation, and shaping the future of affordable housing together.
Tuesday, April 21
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Registration & Networking Breakfast
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
An overview of Wake County’s housing landscape using the Wake Housing Data Platform to showcase measurable progress, highlight remaining gaps, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM
The Housing Report Card: Tracking Progress Across Wake County
An overview of Wake County’s housing landscape using the Wake Housing Data Platform to showcase measurable progress, highlight remaining gaps, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Investing in Impact: The Role of Philanthropy in Scaling Housing Solutions
Philanthropic partners discuss the tools, funding, and technical support needed to build organizational capacity, scale operations, and sustain long-term impact. The conversation will highlight Wake County’s commitment to partnership and shared investment in the infrastructure that makes housing solutions possible.
Speakers: Alice Lutz, Consultant, Nicole Stewart, Director of Engagement, AJ Fletcher Foundation, Sarah Guidi, Director of Community Engagement, Triangle Community Foundation
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Lunch provided
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Housing as an Economic Strategy: Business Leaders at the Table
Hear from business leaders who are addressing the housing needs of the workforce through benefit design, recruitment, advocacy, and living-wage strategies.
Speakers: David Meeker, Managing Partner of Carpenter Development, Eric Braun, Founder, Raleigh Forward, Kayli Thompson, Senior Reporter, Triangle Business Journal
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Networking break with refreshments
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
From Local Action to Statewide Impact: Advancing Housing Policy in North Carolina
A strategic conversation among housing leaders driving policy and advocacy across North Carolina. Panelists will explore how coordination among local, state, and nonprofit partners is advancing affordability, expanding resources, and creating a unified approach to housing solutions that deliver impact for communities statewide.
Speakers: Mark Shelburne, Housing Policy Consultant, Novogradac, Jacquie Ayala, Director of Advocacy at Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, Stephanie Watkins-Cruz, Director of Housing Policy at the North Carolina Housing Coalition
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Closing Reflections
Summarize key insights, celebrate collaboration, and outline the next steps for advancing Wake County’s housing agenda.
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Housing Symposium Reception
Contact Event Organizer
Event technology powered by
