CHAPA’s Federal Housing Policy Forum II

With all the federal changes over the last six months, join CHAPA on October 9th, 2025, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston for CHAPA’s Federal Housing Policy Forum II to discuss how Massachusetts will continue to preserve and produce affordable housing. Hear from private and public financing stakeholders who will discuss what to expect and highlight opportunities to continue to work towards our state production goals.

Please arrive at 9:00 AM to check in at registration and enjoy a light breakfast. The program will begin promptly at 9:30 AM, and unfortunately, food and beverages are not allowed in the main auditorium.

Speakers

• Secretary Ed Augustus, Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC)

Federal Perspectives

• David Gasson, Executive Director, Housing Advisory Group

Public Funder Perspectives

• MODERATOR: Andrew McKenzie-DeFranza, Executive Director, Harborlight Homes
• Ethan Handelman, Executive Director, Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC)
• Colin McNiece, Chief Legal and Operating Officer, MassHousing
• Megan Mulcahy, Director of Lending & Chief Credit Officer, Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP)
• Kate Racer, Undersecretary for Housing Development, HLC

Private Lender Perspectives

• MODERATOR: Kenan Bigby, Founder & Principal, BLD Properties
• Angela Meehan, SVP – Community Development Lending, Eastern Bank
• Kevin Porras, Vice President, Community Development Finance – Boston, First Citizens Bank
• Leslie Reid, Chief of Investment Programs, Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC)

More panelists TBA!

Tickets are $30.00 for CHAPA members and $50.00 for non-members for each forum. There will be no hybrid option for this forum due to technical constraints.

If the individual ticket price is a hardship, please contact Sam Pereira ([email protected]) to inquire about reduced admission or a complimentary ticket. Please also contact Sam Pereira if you need an invoice to pay for your ticket. Refunds will not be provided to those who register but do not attend the forum.

Remember to renew your membership and save on ticket prices! Please reach out to Sam Pereira ([email protected]) with any other event questions.

Bios of panelists (others linked on their names above):

Angela Meehan
Angela has worked in the community development field for nearly two decades, holding roles in planning, policy, and affordable housing programming before transitioning to banking ten years ago. Since joining Eastern Bank in 2018, she has drawn upon her varied expertise as a commercial lending professional to deliver the most effective results for her clients. Angela is particularly experienced in affordable and mixed-income housing and tax-advantaged real estate transactions. She holds an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in urban planning from MIT. She resides in Arlington, MA.

Kevin Porras
Kevin Porras is a Vice President on the Community Development Finance Team at First Citizens Bank in Boston, MA. He specializes in lending products for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects, navigating taxable and tax-exempt construction financing for vital housing projects. Kevin believes housing is a fundamental right and aims to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families needing safe, affordable housing. Through his work, he strives to create more equitable and secure communities.