Memphis, Tenn., Sep. 17 2026- City of Memphis, Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD) will host the 2026 Housing Summit on Thursday, Oct. 15th at the Memphis Botanic Garden. This full-day FREE event brings together housing leaders, developers, policymakers, financial institutions, community organizations, philanthropists and innovators from Memphis and across the country to discuss strategies for expanding housing supply and preserving affordability.
Under the theme “Hope is Rising for Memphis Housing: From Vision to Reality”, this year’s summit will focus on the practical challenges and opportunities facing communities as they work to deliver more attainable housing. The event comes as Memphis advances Mayor Paul Young’s vision of creating 10,000 new housing units by 2030 in the City of Memphis,
“I’ve worked on housing in Memphis from both sides, first as HCD director and now as mayor, and I know there is no single program or project that will solve our housing challenges,” said Memphis Mayor Paul Young. “We have to create the conditions for more housing to be built, bring more investment into our neighborhoods, preserve the affordability we already have, and make it easier for families to find a quality home they can afford. Our goal of 10,000 new housing units by 2030 gives us a clear target. This summit is about bringing together the people, capital, ideas, and tools we need to get there.”
The Memphis Housing Summit is about moving the conversation from ideas to action. “We are focused on scaling proven strategies, increasing housing production, expanding opportunity, and creating stronger, more equitable communities”, said HCD Director Ashley Cash. It will highlight collaboration, innovation, and accountability while bringing together public, private, and community partners around a shared commitment to building a stronger Memphis.
The full-day program will feature keynote presentations, fireside conversations, and deep-dive sessions organized around three tracks: “Addressing the Middle,” “Housing Innovation and Sustainability,” and “Community Reinvestment and Lasting Affordability.”
The summit will feature nationally recognized housing voices, including Marcia Fudge, former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, who will deliver the opening keynote, “From Shortage to Solutions: Scaling Local Innovation.” Fudge will address strategies for overcoming the nationwide housing supply crisis, including approaches to reducing development barriers, lowering construction costs and leveraging public and private resources.
The program will also feature special guests Shana Render and Krystal Tyler-Peterson. Ms. Render is the wife of artist Killer Mike, and Ms. Tyler-Peterson has been instrumental in leveraging the resources of Mike and fellow artist T.I. to advance affordable housing and expand economic opportunities in Atlanta. Mayor Young recognizes the expertise and entrepreneurial insight this group brings and considers their perspective invaluable as discussions on strengthening Memphis neighborhoods continue.
The event will conclude with a Conversation with Mayor Paul A. Young, who will discuss actions and partnerships cities can pursue to accelerate housing production, expand access to capital and strengthen neighborhoods.
The 2026 Memphis Housing Summit is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To learn more about the event or register, click here.