Friday, June 13, 2025
The Uniondale Community Land Trust recently wrapped up its fourth annual Long Island Housing Symposium, an event that brought together leading voices in the affordable housing space to explore pathways for collaboration and innovation.
Held under the theme The State of Affordable Housing – 2025 and Beyond, the symposium fostered meaningful cross-sector dialogue aimed at shaping the region’s housing future.
The April 24 event featured panel discussions, presentations, and conversations among professionals across economics, policy, equity, and legal fields. Attendees explored new opportunities to address Long Island’s growing housing needs, both immediately and for the long term.
Paul E. Gibson, land trust past president and board member, delivered opening remarks, while Vice President Jeannine Maynard welcomed guests and set the tone for the symposium. The symposium’s expert panels sparked insightful dialogue, covering a broad spectrum of housing challenges and solutions, land trust members said.
The Economics and Policy panel included Ross Karp, Downstate Development director for Homes and Community Renewal, and Elizabeth Zeldin, director of Neighborhood Impact at Enterprise Community Partners New York.
The Equity, Access, and Affordability panel featured Rev. Dr. Ellen Clark Clémont of Goldstein Hall PLLC; Brandy L. Watson, president of the Hempstead Community Land Trust; Michael Wigutow, of Legal Services of Long Island; Ian Wilder, executive director of Long Island Housing Services, Inc.; and Laura Harding, a social and racial justice advocate.
As the housing crisis continues to evolve, U-CLT aims to be a vital hub for community-centered solutions and collaborative action on Long Island.
