Affordable Housing in Downtown Mpls: What do we have and what do we need?

Come out to Simpson Housing in the North Loop for a panel discussion on downtown Minneapolis’ housing inventory and possibilities to continue diversification of the housing stock to better accommodate all socioeconomic backgrounds! Our panelists are all seasoned experts and represent organizations dedicated to this sector, together they will provide insight into the creative, operational, fiscal, and political status of affordable housing development.

Brought to you in partnership with: Mpls Downtown Council, East Town Business Partnership, and NūLoop Partners. This event is in-person.

The moderator of this panel is:

Dan Collison, Senior Director of Business Development & Public Affairs at Sherman Associates

Dan Collison has been instrumental in catalyzing affordable housing, safety-net social services, new business growth, and forging strategic collaborations between diverse business, non-profit, and civic leaders alongside the emerging residential communities of downtown Minneapolis. In his role, Collison assists the Development team of Sherman Associates advance project proposals as well as connects the company to communities of related markets. Collison's holistic and inclusive leadership has developed over 30 years of professional work in the fine arts, religious, non-profit, and business sectors. Collison received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. He received his Master of Divinity Degree from Bethel University and his Doctorate of Ministry from Fuller Seminary.

Katie Anthony, Vice President of Development at Shafer Richardson

In her role, Katie Anthony is responsible for leading the Development Team through integrating services with the company’s other offerings. Anthony joined Schafer Richardson in 2015 and has two decades of experience in the planning, real estate, construction, and sustainable design industries. Anthony’s expertise includes new construction, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, economic development, and master planning within the mixed use, market rate and affordable housing, and more.

Anthony received a B.A. from Marquette University, has a Masters in Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and practiced in New England prior to relocating to Minnesota. She is on the Advisory Board for the Minnesota Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, and is involved in the Urban Land Institute, Minnesota Housing Partnership, and WIREDUP.

Elizabeth Flannery, President & CEO of Trellis Corporation

Elizabeth Flannery has worked in the affordable housing industry for over 30 years, gaining experience in development finance, asset management and housing policy. As a seasoned practitioner, she is passionate about advancing methods for efficiently creating affordable housing opportunities for all, through creating strategic partnerships and working closely with community stakeholders. Flannery is passionate about Trellis playing a leadership role in creating more equitable access to affordable homes. Outside of the office, as a former Division I track and cross country athlete, Flannery continues to run daily and support the running community, enjoying the magnificent downtown Minneapolis Riverfront.

Steve Horsfield, Executive Director of Simpson Housing Services

Steve Horsfield has served as Simpson Housing Services’ Executive Director since 2012. His core values are deeply rooted in social justice and servant leadership; he believes that every person deserves dignity, respect, and equal access to critical resources such as housing, healthcare, education, and employment. Under Horsfield's leadership, Simpson Housing Services’ programs have expanded to serve over 3000 people transitioning out of homelessness.

Horsfield earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s degree in Industrial Relations with a secondary concentration in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business. He is a key leader in the homeless service movement in the Twin Cities; having served as board chairperson at Metro-wide Engagement on Shelter and Housing, currently serving as chairperson of the Healthcare for the Homeless Community Board, and providing leadership in Heading Home collaborations focused on improving the community response to homelessness.

Chris LaTondresse, President & CEO of Beacon Housing

Chris LaTondresse joins Beacon after serving as a Hennepin County Commissioner, during which time he passionately championed affordable housing, especially as Chair of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). He played an instrumental role in securing unprecedented funding for housing stability, forging partnerships with mission-driven housing developers, and rallying advocates to cultivate political will for more affordable housing.

LaTondresse has dedicated his leadership to growing coalitions, building cross-sector partnerships, and inspiring action for the common good. He served in President Obama’s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives at USAID. He also was a senior leader at The Expectations Project (a national civil rights advocacy organization) and vice-chair on the Hopkins school board.

Laura Russ, Chief Real Estate Officer at Aeon

Laura Russ joined Aeon in early 2023 overseeing Housing Development, Property Operations and Asset Management. Laura has an extensive background in asset and property management and real estate development for private and nonprofit owners. Previously, Russ led Asset Management at Thies & Talle Management, a Minneapolis-based multifamily owner/operator. During her fifteen year tenure there, she served operations by refocusing policies and systems around a resident-centric approach.

Russ has her B.A. from the University of Chicago and her Master’s Degree in Housing, Community and Economic Development from MIT. She is a Minnesota Multihousing Board member, licensed MN Broker, and frequent contributor to housing policy discussions.

Paul Williams, President & CEO of Project for Pride in Living, Inc.

Paul Williams brings an extensive background in affordable housing, economic development, education, and DEI to PPL. Prior to coming to PPL, Williams served as St. Paul’s Deputy Mayor, where he led a wide range of community initiatives as well as directing day-to-day operations of the City. Williams also spearheaded investments for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), first as the Twin Citie LISC's Executive Director and then as LISC’s national Sr. Vice President for Field Strategies, directing operations in 30 cities.

Williams is an active member of the business-led Itasca Project and the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs Dean’s Advisory Council. Williams is also active on numerous community boards, serving the Minneapolis’ 9th District Federal Reserve (as Vice Chair), HealthPartners, Inc., and the Destination Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota. He holds a Master’s from the Humphrey School and a B.A. from Saint John’s University.

Host or Publisher Nu Loop Partners