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Open to all conference attendees. Anyone from a state agency attending the conference is welcome to attend. You do not need to be a board member to listen and learn about what COSCDA is doing.
All conference attendees are invited to a welcome reception and first-time attendee acknowledgement.
Meet with COSCDA members from your region to discuss organizational issues and initiatives and share information about regional developments.
Western Region States: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY
Meet with COSCDA members from your region to discuss organizational issues and initiatives and share information about regional developments.
Midwest Region States: IL, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, OK, WI
Meet with COSCDA members from your region to discuss organizational issues and initiatives and share information about regional developments.
Southern Region States: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
Meet with COSCDA members from your region to discuss organizational issues and initiatives and share information about regional developments.
Eastern Region States: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
MODERATOR: Rebecca Frawley Wachtel, COSCDA President and Tax Credit and HOME Program Director, Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Mayor Young has worked to improve the quality of life in Memphis by advancing housing security and fostering healthy neighborhoods where families can thrive. He is also the former Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of Memphis.
SPEAKER: Mayor Paul Young, City of Memphis
COSCDA is pleased that Mr. Horn will be able to join us and kick off the conference. He will provide remarks that highlight the actions and current direction of HUD. We anticipate that his remarks will give shape and guidance to the community development, housing, and service work done by our state members.
SPEAKER: Bryan Horn, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
COSCDA staff will provide a brief overview and highlights about the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the most significant housing legislation since 1990. This succinct presentation will cover some of the major elements of the Act and changes made. Ms. Pomponi also will point out the other sessions about the Act for each program track during the conference.
SPEAKER: Jenna Pomponi, Director of Advocacy and Federal Programs, COSCDA
Key staff will provide an overview and highlights of how the state administers HUD’s formula programs. The presentation will focus on the state’s distribution process and primary uses of these federal funds.
SPEAKER: Kent Archer, COSCDA Board Member and Director of Community Infrastructure, Community and Rural Development, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
SPEAKER: Andrea Huggins, Community Outreach Liaison, Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Deploying AI in Managing CDBG and Disaster Recovery
Artificial intelligence is powerful and can be scary. It is rapidly changing many aspects of program management. This session will discuss current and emerging uses of AI in CDBG and disaster recovery programs, drawing on experiences from state agencies and the private sector. Presenters will also address key governance considerations, including transparency, data quality, privacy, and appropriate human oversight in federally funded recovery programs. Attendees will leave with real-world examples of how AI can improve efficiency, strengthen compliance, and support faster, data-informed recovery outcomes.
SPEAKER: Jeff Haley, Assistant Executive Director, Office of Community Development, Louisiana Division of Administration
SPEAKER: Melanie Stewart, Senior Director of Disaster Recovery and Strategic Initiatives, Benevate LLC, dba Neighborly Software
SPEAKER: Matt Arlyn, AICP, CFM, Program Manager, Tetra Tech, Inc.
MODERATOR: Kimberly N. Carter, EDFP, COSCDA Treasurer and Deputy Commissioner of Community Development & Finance, Georgia Department of Community Affairs
New Housing Resources from 21st Century ROAD to Housing
This session will cover the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act provisions for HOME modernization and reauthorization as well as the environmental review and Section 3 streamlining. The Act directs HUD to take steps to improve BABA implementation and coordinate housing with other federal agencies (USDA & VA). There are many other new housing provisions that will impact the work of state housing managers. COSCDA staff and members will provide an overview and the latest information on implementation of the Act.
SPEAKER: Jenna Pomponi, Director of Advocacy and Federal Programs, COSCDA
MODERATOR/SPEAKER: Curtis A. Stauffer, MA, PMP, HDFP, COSCDA Board Member and Managing Director, Housing Contract Administration, Kentucky Housing Corporation
Update on 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and the 2026 CoC NOFO
COSCDA staff will review the changes made by the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to homelessness programs. Also, the status of HUD’s revised 2026 NOFO and pending legal actions will be discussed.
SPEAKER: Tess Hembree, Executive Director, COSCDA
Increased Elderly Homelessness: Roundtable Discussion
The facilitator for this session will lead conference attendees in discussing the changes seen in the number of elderly among those experiencing homelessness. Clearly the increasing number of seniors is posing new challenges for housing and service delivery providers. The focus of this roundtable will be to identify both the challenges and share strategies to address their needs.
MODERATOR/FACILITATOR: Julia Zaffarano, COSCDA Board Member and Director of the Office of Homeless Initiatives, Division of Housing, Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Using CDBG for Emergency Response / Urgent Need
States have experienced a proliferation of disasters that could be addressed using CDBG: floods, fire, storms. While federally declared disasters are addressed through CDBG-Disaster Recovery, the regular CDBG program offers opportunities to address smaller scale disasters. The Urgent Need national objective can be effective to assist communities in need. This funding method presents certain challenges that will be discussed.
SPEAKER: Kathi Boatright, Program Manager, Abingdon Field Office, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
SPEAKER: Gabe Nickell, Branch Manager Economic Development CDBG, Kentucky Department for Local Government
SPEAKER: Timothy Parks, CDBG Specialist, Kansas Commerce Department
SPEAKER: Christina Carver, Community Solutions Division Director, Missouri Department of Economic Development
MODERATOR: Dennis J. Porter, Manager, Idaho Commerce
Developing Policies and Procedures for Housing Programs
A Policies and Procedures manual is important for HOME and HTF to provide clear operational guidelines and assure compliance with regulations for these programs. The updated HOME rule warrants attention to create such a manual, if a state does not have one, or update any that do exist. This session will have COSCDA members share their experience in developing such a manual and may include best practices information from a technical assistance provider.
SPEAKER: Carrie Kronberg, Director, Community Development, ICF
SPEAKER: Scott Ledford, Senior Director, ICF
SPEAKER: Samanta Carvalho, Director, Homeownership Development & Preservation Division, Georgia Department of Community Affairs
SPEAKER: Mechele Grimes, Housing Division Administrator, Nebraska Department of Economic Development
MODERATOR: Brad Satterwhite, Senior Specialist, Division of Federal Financial Assistance, California Department of Housing & Community Development
Interagency Councils on Homelessness – State Level Initiatives
Several states have launched a state-level interagency council on homelessness (ICH) to coordinate and guide multiple state agencies that provide assistance to persons experiencing homelessness. This session will provide overviews of the operation and focus of state ICHs. The coordination and activities of states with an ICH can offer ideas and opportunities for states without an ICH to collaborate with their partner state agencies.
SPEAKER: Mollie Kaylor, Director of Housing and Community Development, New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority
SPEAKER: Rosy L. Falcon, Homeless Programs Manager, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
SPEAKER: Greg Barchuk, Chief Homelessness Officer, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
SPEAKER: Felicity Gasser, Assistant Deputy Director, California Department of Housing and Community Development
MODERATOR: Curtis A. Stauffer, MA, PMP, HDFP, COSCDA Board Member and Managing Director, Housing Contract Administration, Kentucky Housing Corporation
DR Codification in 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act codifies the Disaster Recovery program for three years. There are provisions that direct states to target support and ensue access for the lowest income and most marginalized to receive the support provided. This session will examine the allocation process and new regulations for the program, including how the changes align with HUD’s previous Universal Notice. COSCDA staff and members will provide an overview and analyze the codification process and its potential impact.
SPEAKER: Jenna Pomponi, Director of Advocacy and Federal Programs, COSCDA
SPEAKER: Tess Hembree, Executive Director, COSCDA
MODERATOR/SPEAKER: Heather Lagrone, COSCDA Board Member and Senior Deputy Director, Texas General Land Office
Panel presentation examining how the tri-state region (Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas) is confronting the interconnected challenges of community development — housing, workforce, transportation, and infrastructure. This session will cover demographic-driven demand forecasting and policy reform to groundbreaking modular construction, municipal innovation, and the systems that connect people to jobs and services. This session will bring together practitioners, policymakers, and innovators for a dynamic panel discussion, followed by an open Q&A.
SPEAKER: Anna McQuiston, Executive Director, MidSouth Development District
SPEAKER: Abby Sheridan, Executive Director at Memphis Housing Lab
SPEAKER: Chip Johnson, Mayor of Hernando, MS
MODERATOR: Kent Archer, COSCDA Board Member and Director of Community Infrastructure, Community and Rural Development, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
CD Aspects of 21st Century ROAD to Housing
This session will highlight the CDBG changes authorized in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, including permitting new housing construction as an eligible CDBG activity and a requirement to maintain a public land database. The act also establishes a variety of smaller, new grant programs. COSCDA staff and members will provide an overview and early insight into the changes.
SPEAKER: Jenna Pomponi, Director of Advocacy and Federal Programs, COSCDA
MODERATOR/SPEAKER: Suzanne Barnard, COSCDA Vice President and Director for CDBG Programs, Texas Department of Agriculture, Office of Rural Affairs
State Housing Plans and Initiatives
Several states have launched a state housing plan or initiatives to guide statewide housing development. In light of the concerns about affordable housing and with the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, this session will provide examples of how states are innovating and marshaling their resources to address housing affordability.
SPEAKER: Bill Lord, Director of Community Housing, Tennessee Housing Development Agency
SPEAKER: Tonya Joy, Neighborhood Development Division Director, Michigan State Housing Development Authority
SPEAKER: Melissa Wright, Executive Policy Director, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
SPEAKER: Deborah J. Goddard, Secretary, Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing
MODERATOR: Seila Mosquera-Bruno, COSCDA Board Member and Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Housing
Challenges of Merging CoCs and Connecting HMIS Systems
Merging homelessness Continuums of Care (CoCs) can face multiple challenges as different systems may have varying standards and practices. Coordinating among diverse stakeholders and aligning their objectives can complicate the integration process. Additionally, while are significant benefits to connecting Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS), ensuring data quality and addressing different system procedures can thwart the desired coordination improvements. COSCDA members will share their experience in implementing these efforts.
SPEAKER: Ryan Burger, Senior Manager, ICF
SPEAKER: Brendan Devitt, HMIS Manager, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority
SPEAKER: Joshua Gray, Director, Office of Housing Stability & Innovation, Georgia Department of Community Affairs
MODERATOR: Brianna Atol, Senior Housing Program Coordinator, Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Sharpening Procurement Practices: Cost Estimates & RFPs
Hiring a contractor that fails to deliver creates many headaches. Promises go unmet; firms that looked strong on paper arrive with inexperienced and non-dedicated staff, and agencies are left managing the program and the contractor. This session will help COSCDA members improve the effectiveness of their RFP process. This discussion will focus on setting clear expectations, strengthening accountability, and ensuring contractors deliver the team, capacity, and services promised. The session will also cover best practices for developing cost estimates, a critical step in supporting fair pricing, informed evaluation, and stronger procurement outcomes.
SPEAKER: Jane Brogan, Director, CohnReznick Advisory
SPEAKER: Robby Bizot, Senior Director of CDBG Program Management, Tetra Tech, Inc.
SPEAKER: Molly Keller, Deputy Director of Operations & Chief of Staff, Community Development & Revitalization Division, Texas General Land Office
MODERATOR: Chuck Bearman, Director of Community Incentives, Mississippi Development Authority
Join us to celebrate this year’s COSCDA Annual Award winners at the National Civil Rights Museum, which is at the historic Lorraine Motel.
National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38013
Learn the details about the award-winning projects that will be announced at the President’s Reception on Tuesday evening. These creative projects will provide ideas for how they can be replicated in other states.
MODERATOR: Kayla Savage, COSCDA Board Member and Director of Community Engagement, Kansas Department of Commerce
COSCDA’s sponsors will describe significant projects and engagements that they have undertaken recently. This fast-paced session will give attendees information about projects they may want to undertake and resources to facilitate creative and effective uses of HUD funding. Each speaker will be limited to just five minutes to describe their recent successful work and opportunities to work with other state agencies.
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
MODERATOR: Suzanne Barnard, COSCDA Vice President and Director for CDBG Programs, Texas Department of Agriculture, Office of Rural Affairs
Hear presentations that showcase exemplary projects from across Tennessee! Speakers will share successful strategies and outcomes in community development, housing, and homelessness, and disaster recovery.
SPEAKER: John Holden, Mayor, City of Dyersburg
SPEAKER: David Blackwood, Executive Director, West Tennessee River Basin Authority
SPEAKER: Berkeley Burbank, Chief Development Officer, ALCO Management
SPEAKER: Porsha Goodman, Executive Director, Door of Hope
MODERATOR: Kent Archer, COSCDA Board Member and Director of Community Infrastructure, Community and Rural Development, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
COSCDA’s Director of Advocacy and Federal Programs will provide an update on legislative activity in Congress as well as regulatory and administrative actions, other than the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. COSCDA’s Executive Director will provide a brief overview of OMB’s Proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” that would make significant changes to requirements for all federal grants under 2 CFR Part 200. This update will include information about the anticipated status and implementation of the proposed changes, as well as strategies to address implementation.
SPEAKER: Tess Hembree, Executive Director, COSCDA
SPEAKER: Jenna Pomponi, Director of Advocacy and Federal Programs, COSCDA
Using CDBG for Demolition in Rural Areas
This session will highlight how states have effectively used CDBG for demolition and the options for its use. States will share their experience and exemplary projects that demonstrate how demolition work can support community revitalization, particularly in rural communities.
SPEAKER: Glenn Misner, Director, Office of CDBG Field Services and NSP, Georgia Department of Community Affairs
SPEAKER: Heather Paul, Director, Office of Community Development, Louisiana Division of Administration
SPEAKER: Justin Fair, Program Officer, Office of Federal Community Development Programs, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
SPEAKER: Stefanie Smith Derwort, CDBG Grants Manager, SC Department of Commerce
MODERATOR: Debbie Feeback, COSCDA Board Member and Chief Development Officer, Missouri Department of Economic Development
Data-Driven Selection of HOME and HTF Applicants
States have different approaches in application selection for housing projects for the HOME program and Housing Trust Fund supported developments. Quantitative data can be used in many different ways, and other qualitative factors often weigh in too. COSCDA members will share their experience and the criteria used to select the best applications for federal housing funding.
SPEAKER: Bill Lord, Director of Community Housing, Tennessee Housing Development Agency
SPEAKER: Tonya Joy, Neighborhood Development Division Director, Michigan State Housing Development Authority
SPEAKER: Ariel Cisneros, Associate Director of the Office of Housing Finance and Sustainability, Colorado Department of Local Affairs
SPEAKER: Mechele Grimes, Housing Division Administrator, Nebraska Department of Economic Development
MODERATOR: Tricia Davis Winter, COSCDA Board Member and Managing Director, Utah Department of Housing and Community Development, Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Housing Navigation & Landlord Engagement
Programs that help families and individuals experiencing homelessness to secure housing are critical resources. Providing information and support to landlords and property managers assists in expanding the pool of available and affordable housing. This session will have states describing their housing navigation programs as well as landlord engagement efforts.
SPEAKER: Whitney Whitaker, Homelessness Resolution Program Manager, Division of Housing, Colorado Department of Local Affairs
SPEAKER: Diana Berube, Housing Specialist, Connecticut Department of Housing
SPEAKER: Kelcy Ramirez, Coordinated Entry Administrator, Community Alliance for the Homeless
MODERATOR: LaToya N. Arnold-Artis, Director of the Homelessness Solutions Program. Division of Homeless Solutions, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Mapping to Support CDBG-DR Compliance
Geographic information systems (GIS) can be an effective management tool to support Disaster Recovery. COSCDA members will share their expertise and ideas for using mapping programs to manage compliance requirements ranging from national objectives, to Safe Housing Incentives program, duplication of benefits, and reporting. With the right data and policies, interacting with maps can be not only useful visual supporting documentation but a key tool for making compliance determinations.
SPEAKER: Shawn M. Strange, Director – Regulatory, Policy & Planning Section, Community Development & Revitalization Department, Texas General Land Office
SPEAKER: Gabriel Cortes, Director of Policy and Compliance, Office of Resilient Homes and Communities, New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation
SPEAKER: Alex Pennington, Director of Research & Data, Office of Resilient Homes and Communities, New York State Homes and Community Renewal
SPEAKER: Jeff Haley, Assistant Executive Director, Office of Community Development, Louisiana Division of Administration
MODERATOR: Gina Campo, COSCDA Board Member and Executive Director, Office of Community Development, Louisiana Division of Administration
The meeting will provide an opportunity for members to discuss organizational issues and provide input to the COSCDA Board of Directors.
MODERATOR: Rebecca Frawley Wachtel, COSCDA President and Tax Credit and HOME Program Director, Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
COSCDA represents the leadership role of the states as the premier voice of authority to Congress, federal and state agencies in advocating and promoting community development and affordable housing, eliminating homelessness and in providing technical assistance and increasing collaboration among state partners.
Advocate for the common community development goals of the states;
Develop policies and recommendations on community development issues;
Keep members informed on federal and state legislative and administrative developments that affect them;
Enhance the capacity of states to deal effectively and comprehensively with community development issues;
Ensure the availability of community development expertise to members;
Encourage and assist states in the development and implementation of effective community development programs; and
Facilitate the exchange of information about programs and achievements among states
