Building Momentum for Housing Supply Reforms

The event will feature remarks from state elected officials, providing valuable perspectives on the Connecticut housing policy landscape. We will welcome national experts who will showcase innovative reform efforts that have succeeded in various states. The IForum will also spotlight Massachusetts and its landmark Affordable Homes Act, providing a deep dive into the policies and strategies that have propelled the state to the forefront of state housing reform. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the practical steps and the political will necessary to drive meaningful progress on housing policy here in Connecticut.

This event is a platform for stakeholders, policymakers, advocates, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue, share best practices, and collaborate on actionable strategies to ensure that everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.

Agenda

9:00: Breakfast and Networking

9:30: Welcome

Chelsea Ross: Executive Director, Partnership for Strong Communities

TBD, Bank of America

9:45: Housing Supply Reform Successes Across the U.S.

Charles Gardner, Research Fellow, Mercatus Center, George Mason University

10:15: Reform Efforts in the 2025 Connecticut Legislative Session

State Representative Jason Rojas , House Majority Leader, CT House Democrats

11:00: State Spotlight: Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act

Matt Noyes, Director of Public Policy, Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA)

​11:30:Closing

Sponsored by: Bank of America

Presenters

Charles Gardner is a research fellow at the Mercatus Center whose research focuses on planning law and housing affordability. He has testified before several state legislatures and frequently advises local government officials on zoning matters. He has also served as a local elected official and as an active participant in state policy making on the Connecticut Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights and on the Commission on Connecticut’s Development and Future.

Jason Rojas has served as State Representative of the 9th Assembly District, which is composed of parts of East Hartford and Manchester, for 16 years. Jason serves as House Majority Leader. In this role, he works alongside the Speaker of the House, Matt Ritter, to shape policy priorities and is responsible for managing the legislative process. Jason's policy interests include government finance and tax policy, regionalism, and affordable housing. Outside of the legislature, Jason serves as the Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for External Affairs to the President of Trinity College. He has served on the board of directors of numerous nonprofits including three nonprofit housing development organizations and the Board of Trustees of the Boys and Girls Club of Hartford.

Matt Noyes joined CHAPA in 2023. As Director of Public Policy, he is responsible for helping develop, direct, and implement the organization's public policy agenda. Previously, Matt worked for the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education as Director of Trustee and Government Relations, as well as for Youth Villages, Health Care For All, and the AIDS Housing Corporation. He began his career as a staff assistant and legislative correspondent for Congressman Henry Waxman of California. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in peace and conflict studies from Holy Cross as well as a master's degree in history from UMass Amherst.

Host or Publisher Partnership for Strong Communities