19th Housing Institute

Thursday, June 25 & Friday, June 26

The Housing Institute brings together municipal leaders, volunteers and employees in communities across the state to problem solve, network, and share ideas on the development process of affordable housing across the Commonwealth in three topic areas:

• Policy & Planning

• Affordable Housing Development

• Outreach & Advocacy

An optional site visit to affordable housing developments is planned. One of the many highlights will be the Housing Hero Awards ceremony on the second day of the conference, in which local officials, volunteers and communities are honored for their role in supporting affordable housing.

The 19th Housing Institute will be in-person at the DCU Convention Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester, MA 01608.

19th Housing Institute Agenda at a Glance

Agenda Subject to Change

Thursday, June 25

Registration: 8:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Resource Fair: 8:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Breakfast: 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Housing Institute Kick-Off: 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Keynote Session: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Breakout Sessions: 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Plenary Lunch: 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.

Site Visits: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Breakout Sessions: 1:45 - 3:00 p.m.

Breakout Sessions: 3:15 - 4:30 p.m.

Friday, June 26

Affordable Housing Trust Breakfast: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.

Registration: 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Resource Fair: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Breakfast: 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Second Day Kick-Off: 9:00 - 9:15 a.m.

Breakout Session: 9:15 - 10:30 a.m.

Breakout Sessions: 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Housing Hero Award Ceremony: 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.

Breakout Sessions: 1:45 - 3:00 p.m.

As with years past, AICP CM credits will be offered at this year's Housing Institute.

Please note that this agenda are subject to change.

19th Housing Institute Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Tiffany Manuel is returning to MHP's Housing Institute help us reflect on how Massachusetts communities have elevated the way we frame conversations on equity, housing, and community development using her Strategic CaseMaking book as a blueprint. This year, Dr. T will share new strategies to build on our successes through her new book, Fast Track: Navigating Narrative Strategy, Power, and The Case for Justice. Fast Track is dedicated to the simple idea that we can have the just future we want and we can get there faster by deploying more thoughtful narrative, power building, and CaseMaking strategies.

Dr. Tiffany Manuel (DrT) is a truth-teller, bridge-builder, and lifelong believer in the power of people to create a more just and joyful world. As President and CEO of TheCaseMade, DrT works across the country and around the world to help leaders build stronger support for the big ideas that make all our lives better—from affordable housing to health equity to racial justice.

Explore full session details, speaker biographies, and headshots.*



* Headshots and biographies are added as received. Speaker lineup subject to change.

Site Visits

An optional site visit to affordable housing developments is planned. MHP has rented a bus to transport attendees from the DCU Center. Space is limited to 20 participants. The site visit can be selected as an add-on during registration.

The Residences at Lincoln Square

The Residences at Lincoln Square is a 55+ age-restricted apartment complex in the heart of Worcester's cultural district. A total of 80 new homes were created through adaptive reuse of the historic former Worcester Boys Club and the addition of a new building on site. Managed by WinnDevelopment, The Residences serves households between 30% and 60% of Area Median Income.

30 Winfield Street

30 Winfield Street, developed and managed by South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC), is the Commonwealth's first publicly funded, low-income modular construction project. The 18 permanent supportive housing units prioritize individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. The modular construction means the entire property is built in a factory and then delivered to its permanent address.

Resource Fair

Meet regional planning agencies (RPAs) and partners who support communities with housing, planning, and technical expertise. The exhibitor area is your opportunity to connect directly with organizations that can help advance your housing goals, share practical solutions, and spark collaborations that extend beyond the conference.

Travel & Logding

Hotel Block

MHP has reserved a limited number of rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis at $184+fees. Rates expire on Wednesday, 06/03/26. After this date reservations will be accepted on a space a rate available basis only.

Guests can book online using the group code MHP26 at hgi.com or by calling 1-800-HILTONS

Public Transportation & Parking

The DCU Center is conveniently located along the commuter rail; about a 10 minute walk from the venue.

Ample parking is available within two blocks from the convention center.

• Major Taylor Parking Garage
• Mercantile Parking Garage

Both garages allow you to book ahead of time.

Contact Information

For more information on the Housing Institute, contact Operations and Events Coordinator Reneiry Santiago.