Affordable Housing Data & Analytics Forum (2026)

Affordable housing decisions depend on a complex set of metrics that measure rents, incomes, affordability, and market demand. This session explores how these data points are developed, the assumptions behind them, and their strengths and limitations in practice. Market analysts, data providers, and compliance experts will discuss the methodologies that shape the industry’s most commonly used metrics and what practitioners should understand when interpreting the results.

Panelists:

• Patrick Bowen, Bowen National Research*
• Adrian Brizuela, CoStar
• Stephanie Naquin, Novogradac & Co.

State housing organizations are increasingly leveraging technology, analytics, and new data-sharing models to better understand housing needs, inform policy decisions, and improve access to information. This session will showcase innovative approaches from across the country, including interactive mapping tools, statewide data platforms, housing search technologies, and collaborative data networks. Panelists will discuss how these initiatives were developed, the challenges they encountered, and the lessons learned for organizations seeking to strengthen their own housing data capabilities.

Panelists:

• Jerome DuVal, Housing Navigator Massachusetts
• Jonathan Kurfeld, MaineHousing
• Samantha Myers-Miller, Tennessee Housing Development Agency
• Alan Quick, Illinois Housing Development Authority*
• Jacob Rich, Illinois Housing Development Authority

Housing professionals rely on a wide range of data sources to evaluate market conditions, assess demand, and support investment decisions. Yet these sources often produce different results, leaving practitioners to determine which data is most reliable and appropriate for a given situation. This session brings together analysts, investors, and data experts to examine the strengths and limitations of commonly used housing datasets, explore why discrepancies occur, and discuss practical approaches for evaluating and reconciling conflicting information when making real-world decisions.

• Rachel Denton, Novogradac Valuation Services
• Tylee Kessler, RBC Community Investments
• Rick Stein, Urban Decisions Group

Only for NCHMA executive committee members.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how housing professionals collect information, analyze data, and prepare reports. While AI can improve efficiency and support more sophisticated analysis, it cannot replace the expertise, judgment, and local market knowledge that clients depend on from experienced professionals. This session will explore practical applications of AI in housing research and market analysis, discuss the limitations and risks of relying too heavily on automated tools, and examine how analysts can leverage emerging technologies while continuing to deliver the insight, context, and professional expertise that clients expect.

Panelists:

• Brian Gault, Walker & Dunlop
• Nelson Pratt, Apprise*

Housing needs assessments have become an essential tool for understanding housing demand, identifying gaps in the market, and informing housing policy and investment decisions. But conducting a successful assessment requires more than compiling demographic and economic data. This session will explore the key components of a housing needs assessment, including methodology, data sources, stakeholder engagement, demand analysis, and forecasting techniques. Drawing on experiences from across the country, panelists will discuss best practices, common challenges, and how communities are using housing needs assessments to prioritize investments, shape policy, and develop actionable housing strategies.

Panelists:

• Dr. David Allen, Michigan State Housing Development Authority
• Brian Points, Points Consulting*
• Rachel Powers. Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
• Mark Williams, Colorado Department of Local Affairs

The housing industry continues to evolve, bringing new challenges, data sources, technologies, and analytical approaches. This interactive session will be driven by attendee questions, discussion topics, and emerging issues identified throughout the conference. Join industry leaders and fellow practitioners for a candid conversation about the future of housing research and analytics, including evolving data sources, market trends, technology, artificial intelligence, and the opportunities and challenges shaping the profession.

Panelists:

• Jen Dionne, The Signal Group
• Andrew Mazak, Vogt Strategic Insights
• Quintin Kauchick, Value Tech Realty Services