
A regional housing nonprofit will bring together public and private sector leaders later this month for a focused discussion on one of Central Indiana’s most pressing issues—housing.
HAND, Inc. will host its 12th annual Suburban Housing Conference on Thursday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the IMMI Conference Center in Westfield.
The half-day event, presented by Hamilton County Community Foundation, is expected to draw elected officials, municipal staff, developers, employers, lenders and nonprofit leaders from Hamilton, Boone and Tipton counties.
This year’s theme—“From Plans to Places: Turning Housing Systems into Real Homes”—emphasizes practical solutions and real-world challenges facing growing suburban communities.
Organizers say the 2026 conference will take a more hands-on approach than in previous years, guiding participants through a four-part framework:
- See It – examining what is driving today’s housing market
- Feel It – participating in an interactive simulation exploring community tradeoffs
- Translate It – connecting those challenges to local conditions
- Fix It – identifying potential solutions and next steps
A centerpiece of the event will be the Indiana debut of the Homeward simulation program developed by Urban Land Institute. The exercise is designed to help participants better understand the complex decisions and constraints that shape housing outcomes. A member of the ULI team will travel from Boston to lead the session.
HAND Executive Director Andrea Davis said the goal is to provide a clearer picture of how housing intersects with broader community issues.
“Housing impacts workforce, economic development, schools and the long-term health of our communities,” Davis said. “We want people to leave with a better understanding of how the system works and where they can play a role.”
The conference will also feature a moderated panel of local leaders in government, planning and development, offering insight into how housing challenges are playing out across the region.
Registration is open through HAND’s website.
HAND, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Housing Development Organization serving Hamilton, Boone and Tipton counties. The organization develops and manages rental housing and works to expand housing options across the region.








