What’s on tap at the federal level related to transit, housing and development? Join this webinar for an overview of proposals. Gain valuable insight into equitable transit-oriented development (eTOD) and community growth.
- Explore the impact of bills to ensure Federal Transit Administration public transportation grants are awarded to projects that support additional housing, such as the Build More Housing Near Transit Act.
- Hear about proposals to expand existing TOD programs for land use planning and other activities.
- Learn about a proposal to allow community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to access Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) financing for equity transportation-oriented development projects. What does this mean for the New Starts program?
Featured Speakers
Moderator: Mark Kudlowitz
Federal Policy Director, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Washington, DC
Mark Kudlowitz is federal policy director for Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) where he advocates for federal policies that support LISC national programs, including affordable housing, rural development and transit-oriented development. Previously, Mark was policy director at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Multifamily Housing Programs. He also worked for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund at the US Department of the Treasury. Mark managed affordable housing and community development programs at the District of Columbia’s Department of Housing and Community Development and held positions at the Housing Assistance Council, a national rural affordable housing organization.
Christopher Coes
Director, LOCUS, Smart Growth America, Washington, DC
Christopher Coes is the director of LOCUS, Smart Growth America’s national coalition of real estate developers and investors who advocate for sustainable, equitable, walkable development. A nationally recognized leader on community revitalization and real estate policy, Christopher has led LOCUS and Smart Growth America’s national and regional efforts, securing over $20 billion in FAST Act TOD and local infrastructure financing and launching the Attainable Housing and Social Equity Initiative. He is an advisor to the USDOT LadderSTEP Transportation Empowerment pilot. Previously, Christopher was a consultant at M+R Strategic Services and served as Transportation for America’s senior campaign advisor and deputy director. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute and a board member of African American Real Estate Professionals DC. Christopher has a BA/MA from St. John’s University, specializing in public administration.
Melissa Winkler
Policy and Research Manager, Up for Growth, Washington, DC
Melissa Winkler is policy and research manager for Up for Growth. She manages the organization’s policy and housing market research and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement policy objectives and legislative proposals. Previously, Melissa spent three years in a poverty-focused nonprofit in Atlanta, GA. There she was responsible for community relations, including advocacy, communications and special events. Prior to that, Melissa served in the AmeriCorps in Spokane, WA, where she worked at a day center for homeless and low-income women. She recently completed a master’s in public policy at the University of Chicago’s Harris School, focusing on housing, urban development and inequality.