Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development 2023

The preeminent industry event for affordable housing and economic development professionals in New Jersey took place Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29. Held at the Waterfront Conference Center at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, the annual symposium creates new paths toward community progress and development through the exchange of ideas and forging of partnerships.

More than 1,000 professionals in the real estate development and related deals that included community leaders, housing policy planners, asset managers, mortgage companies and small business owners and others.

“The exciting lineup of speakers for this year’s conference included staff with years of experience and knowledge of the panels and discussions. They provided impactful information on topics such as eviction and homelessness prevention, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization that are making a positive difference in people’s lives,” said Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez of DCA, one of the co-host organizations. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) also co-hosted the event.

Attendees benefited from a plenary panel, keynote addresses by iconic industry leaders The Peebles Corp Chairman and Chief Executive Officer R. Donahue (Don) Peebles, and Legacy Real Estate Development Chief Executive Officer Jerrod Delaine. Attendees participated in various breakout sessions covering effective planning strategies for strong communities and businesses, social equity in development, grant and tax incentives and more.

Atlantic City is one example of collaborative efforts to expand and diversify economic development offerings, in this case beyond casinos. The conference included its annual bus tour, which featured the newly opened Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort, Stockton University’s second Atlantic City residence hall, and other projects that are driving the economic rebirth of Atlantic City and the surrounding region.