Affordable Housing Conference will feature top officials and industry leaders in housing solutions - Sept. 17, 2026

Albany, NY The New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) will host its Annual Upstate New York Affordable Housing Conference on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

As one of the largest and most anticipated events in the affordable housing sector, this premier conference will bring together exhibitors and industry leaders from across the state, offering several professional breakout sessions, a morning plenary, and a luncheon keynote featuring more than a dozen key industry speakers and panelists.

Key highlights of this year’s conference include a morning plenary moderated by journalist Dan Clark with the Times Union and featuring commissioner Willow Baer (NYS OPWDD), commissioner Barbara Guinn (NYS OTDA), commissioner Amanda Lefton (NYS DEC), and commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas (NYS HCR); A welcome from both NYSAFAH president and CEO Carlina Rivera and board chair Samantha Magistro; and a luncheon program featuring remarks from Assembly Housing Committee chair Linda Rosenthal and assemblymember Gabriella Romero, followed by a fireside chat with mayor Sharon Owens, city of Syracuse, interviewed by Marathon Strategies’ Liz Benjamin.

Sessions throughout the day will cover topics including tax credit financing and capital stacking, Section 8 rules for landlords, navigating multi-jurisdictional approvals, shaping New York’s comprehensive housing plan for the next five years, and meeting the needs of vulnerable populations.

For more information on the conference schedule, events, and speakers, please visit the official event website.