Regional leaders to gather for 2025 Suburban Housing Conference

Submitted by HAND

As communities across central Indiana grapple with rising housing costs, population growth, and evolving workforce demands, HAND Inc. will hold its 2025 Suburban Housing Conference presented by the Hamilton County Community Foundation from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 at the IMMI Conference Center, 18880 N. East St., Westfield.

Now in its 11th year, the conference brings together elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit professionals, real estate experts, and advocates to explore real-world solutions to one of Indiana’s most pressing challenges: how to create housing that meets the needs of everyone who lives and works in the suburbs.

This year’s theme, “Building the Future: Housing Solutions for Thriving Suburbs,” emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and action. Through a mix of engaging panels and interactive conversation, attendees will learn from communities and organizations leading the way.

Key sessions

• Public Involvement Drives Change – Exploring zoning reform, land use tools, and publicly led initiatives that are making housing more attainable.
• Charity Begins with Home – A look at how philanthropic and mission-driven organizations are stepping up to support housing through investment, partnerships, and land donations.
• How Cross-Sector Partnerships Are Delivering Housing Solutions – Highlighting employers and economic development leaders working together to address workforce housing and infrastructure challenges.

Keynote address

This year’s keynote will be delivered by the Housing Narrative Lab, a national organization that helps communities reframe the public conversation around affordable housing. Their session will equip attendees with the tools to shift community dialogue from fear and misinformation to shared values, solutions, and long-term impact.

Confirmed speakers

• Mayor Matt Gentry, City of Lebanon
• Christine Owens, Town of Cumberland
• Sarah Reed, City of Noblesville
• Jim Morris, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis
• Danielle Stiles-Polk, Hamilton County Community Foundation
• Karen Simon, GXO Logistics
• Ron Walker, CFC Properties (Cook Medical Workforce Housing)

“Affordable housing isn’t just a big city issue – it’s a suburban issue, a workforce issue, and a quality-of-life issue,” HAND Executive Director Andrea Davis said. “This conference brings people together who are serious about doing something, and we’re proud to help lead that conversation in Indiana.”

Register now at bit.ly/SHC2025. The cost is $150 per person; tables and sponsorship opportunities are available. (Elected officials can attend free of charge. RSVP to kerri@handincorporated.org.)

For more information about the 2025 Suburban Housing Conference, registration, or sponsorship opportunities, visit handincorporated.org or contact Kerri at kerri@handincorporated.org.

About HAND, Inc.
HAND is a nonprofit organization working to expand housing options in the northern suburbs of Indianapolis. The organization owns and manages 11 affordable rental communities across Hamilton, Boone, and Tipton counties. Since 2003, HAND has supported inclusive neighborhoods through housing development, education, and advocacy to ensure people of all ages and income levels can thrive. Learn more at handincorporated.org.