The Future of Housing in New York: Unlocking Underutilized Space

​New York is grappling with a deepening housing crisis and a glut of underused commercial space. From transforming offices and other commercial buildings into homes to stimulating growth to fill vacant properties, cross-sector leaders must work together to harness the opportunity of empty spaces filled with potential.

Join us at a building undergoing conversion for a timely conversation with real estate, government, design, and community development leaders as we explore how investments and policy reforms can drive adaptive reuse of spaces to scale housing, revitalize neighborhoods, and build a more resilient New York. Two discussions will focus on:

​9:15-10:00 am

​What We Need: How much additional housing do we need in New York City, and what policies can help us achieve that?

• ​Robert Holbrook, Executive Director, Get Stuff Built

• ​Aaron Kinnari, Founder, The Future Forum (moderator)

• ​Tyng Patka, Partner, Adler & Stachenfeld

• ​Chloe Sarnoff, Director of Policy Research and Initiatives, Robin Hood Foundation

• ​Ahmed Tigani, Acting Commissioner, NYC Housing Preservation and Development

​10:15-11:00 am

​How We Do It: How are developers, architects, lessors, and lenders driving conversions to increase housing supply?

• ​Ran Eliasaf, Founder, Northwind

• ​Brian Flanagan, Managing Member, Dair Development

• ​Erika Marks, Director of New Development, RealNY

• ​Alberto Smeke, Cofounder and Managing Partner, CSC (moderator)

• ​Edwin Tang, Principal, Tang Studio Architects