CHAPA Fair Housing Forum: Planning for Fair Housing Up Front

See a recap and materials from this forum.

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Every municipality in Massachusetts has an obligation to follow Fair Housing Laws and Regulations. But creating communities that embrace Fair Housing is broader than simply following technical requirements. By thinking about Fair Housing up front in planning processes, community engagement, and development decisions, local communities can ensure that they are not just complying with the law, but exploring the role of Fair Housing at the structural level and truly creating welcoming and diverse cities and towns. 

Please join us for a Fair Housing Month event in Newton to help local municipalities and community groups incorporate Fair Housing into all levels of their work. The event will include panels on Fair Housing beyond the typical tenant/landlord transaction, examples of ways communities can mitigate fair housing concerns at a structural level, and interactive activities to help participants think about how to intentionally plan for Fair Housing up front in their own communities.

AGENDA

Welcome & Introductions (1:30-1:40 PM):

• Rachel Heller, CEO, CHAPA

Fair Housing Background & Structural Context (1:40-1:55 PM):

• Henry Korman, Partner, Klein Hornig LLP

Panelist Discussion (1:55-2:25 PM):

• MODERATOR: Whitney Demetrius, Municipal Engagement Associate, CHAPA
• Andrew DeFranza, Executive Director, Harborlight Community Partners
• Shelly Goehring, Community Assistance Program Manager, Massachusetts Housing Partnership
• Wendell Joseph, Neighborhood Planner, City of Cambridge
• Henry Korman, Partner, Klein Hornig LLP

Audience Dialogue & Q&A (2:25-2:55 PM)

Steps Towards Cultural Competence (2:55-3:00 PM):

• Shelly Goehring, Community Assistance Program Manager, Massachusetts Housing Partnership

Group Scenario Activity (3:00-3:50 PM)

Closing Remarks (3:55-4:00 PM):

• Rachel Heller, CEO, CHAPA

Note: Parking in the area of Newton City Hall is available on the streets surrounding City Hall on Homer Street, Commonwealth Ave., and Walnut Street. Street parking is non-metered. There is also a lot across the street from City Hall on Homer Street. We encourage attendees to arrive early to accommodate for parking and also always encourage attendees to take public transportation where possible.

As a nonprofit, CHAPA charges a fee to cover our costs and raise funds to carry out our mission. If the cost is prohibitive, please contact our Communications & Events Manager, Jenna Connolly, and we would be happy to reduce or waive the fee.

Photography and Video:
Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by CHAPA without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. CHAPA may use the photograph/video in publications or other media material produced, used, or contracted by CHAPA. To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed/videotaped subject, parent, or legal guardian. A person attending a CHAPA event who does not wish to have their image recorded for distribution should make their wishes known to the photographer/videographer, and/or the event organizers, and/or contact CHAPA directly.