Welcome Session and Opening Keynote (CM)

Last year saw continued growth in state legislative and regulatory reforms aimed at boosting housing supply and reducing barriers to affordability. Governors and legislators in more than 20 states doubled the number of reform bills enacted from the prior year. This trend shows no sign of abating as housing issues continue to gain political traction and bipartisan support. In some cases, states who enacted reforms came back to advance new proposals while other states began efforts to advance reforms. This rapidly changing landscape brings significant impacts on planners yet also major opportunities to lead change and demonstrate the unique value of planning in tackling the housing crisis. Experts will examine what states have enacted, including major reforms in Colorado and Arizona, and discuss where reform policies are headed. The session will look at the impact of earlier legislation and the evolution of the politics of housing in statehouses around the country. Discover what’s on the menu for reform and how your community can lead through planning.