| 2026 Spring Conference Agenda |
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SUNDAY, MARCH 22 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS ADVANCING EQUITABLE HOUSING FOR FAMILIES IMPACTED BY INCARCERATION Join Justice 4 Housing (J4H) for an informative session on advancing equity in public housing for Families Impacted by Incarceration (FIP). This session will introduce the work J4H has done in partnership with local housing authorities across the Commonwealth; highlight key successes and measurable outcomes; demonstrate the broader benefits of this initiative; and invite all housing authorities to consider adopting the policy recommendations outlined in J4H’s Far From Home (FFH) report. TECH GOES HOME TGH programs focus on serving people and communities who face systemic barriers to technology adoption. Tech Goes Home programs serve people of all ages, with courses geared towards families, adults, entrepreneurs, older adults, and more. They bring computers, internet, and training to families and individuals throughout Massachusetts so students can do homework, adults can find jobs and manage finances, seniors can connect with loved ones, and all can lead healthy lives.
3:45 PM - 5:15 PM ROUNDTABLES MEDIUM/LARGE HOUSING AUTHORITIES SMALL HOUSING AUTHORITIES
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM WELCOME RECEPTION
MONDAY, MARCH 23 7:30 AM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION 7:30 AM BREAKFAST BUFFET
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM OPENING SESSION WELCOME AND MASSNAHRO UPDATE
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM EXHIBIT HALL Please become acquainted with our vendors and the products and services they offer your agency.
9:45 AM – 11:00 AM PLENARY SESSION EOHLC TOWN HALL Join EOHLC staff for updates from the State and an open forum with guided questions designed to gather feedback and ideas that will help strengthen EOHLC programs and improve processes. Presenters: EOHLC Representatives 11:00 AM COFFEE BREAK WITH EXHIBITORS
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS MANAGING PROBLEM TENANCIES: NOTICES, AGREEMENTS, AND TRIAL STRATEGY This training provides staff with a practical framework for managing problem tenancies from early intervention through court resolution. Participants will learn how to exercise managerial discretion when issuing warnings or Notices to Quit, navigate tenant grievance rights and hearings, and evaluate whether to proceed with agreements or trial. The session will develop skills in assessing evidentiary strength, witnesses, and litigation risk; handling difficult cases such as unauthorized occupants and smoking violations; and addressing critical compliance issues including reasonable accommodation requests, domestic violence protections, and service or comfort animals. By the end of the program, attendees will be able to make informed, legally sound decisions that balance enforcement, due process, and risk management in public housing eviction cases. Presenter: Michael J. Louis, Esq., Partner, Downing Van Dyke
PROCUREMENT 101 Presenter: Gabriel Ciccariello, Director of Modernization and Procurement, Medford H.A.
LET’S TALK RESIDENT SERVICES Get ready for a dynamic, idea-packed session led by experienced Resident Services professionals! This interactive panel brings together Resident Services staff from housing authorities of all sizes to share proven best practices, real-world success stories, innovative approaches, and valuable resources you can put to work right away. Panelists will spark meaningful discussion around launching a Resident Services program, maximizing its impact within your agency, and overcoming common challenges along the way.
12:45 PM LUNCH
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS ASK THE ATTORNEYS Join this interactive session as experienced attorneys lead a dynamic roundtable discussion on today’s most pressing housing-related legal issues. Through real-life examples, they will share practical tips for navigating potential legal pitfalls and avoiding costly mistakes. This is your opportunity to ask your most pressing legal questions and receive expert guidance—all included with your conference registration. Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to learn from the best!
SUPPORTING RESIDENTS THROUGH A TRAUMA INFORMED LENS Presenter: Cathy Sheehan, PHM, LMHC, LMFT, Executive Director, Salem and Marblehead Housing Authority
FROM HIRING TO THRIVING: RETAINING HOUSING AUTHORITY STAFF
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS ASK THE THERAPIST Presenter: Cathy Sheehan, PHM, LMHC, LMFT, Executive Director, Salem and Marblehead Housing Authority
DOS, DON'TS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN FOR BOARD MEMBERS
COMMON PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ISSUES
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM RECEPTION WITH EXHIBITORS TUESDAY, MARCH 24 7:30 AM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION 7:30 AM BREAKFAST BUFFET
8:15 AM - 9:30 AM CONCURRENT SESSIONS THE AI ADVANTAGE: CHATGPT, COPILOT & SMART TOOLS FOR FASTER, BETTER HOUSING OPERATIONS Presenters: Alex Corrales, CEO, Worcester H.A.; Edlin Ortiz, Chief Resident Programs Officer, Worcester H.A.
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS: SO...NOW WHAT?
SAY THIS, NOT THAT: FAIR HOUSING & FRONT LINE CUSTOMER SERVICE
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM CONCURRENT SESSIONS SHORTFALL 101
WASHINGTON UPDATE
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM PEER ROUNDTABLES Join your fellow Executive Directors, staff or board members to share best practices, ask questions, and make new acquaintances.
12:15 PM BOXED LUNCH TO GO |
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