NY-LON: What Does ‘Affordable’ Mean?
October 9, 2015
8:30 – 10:30 AM
Kohn Pedersen Fox
11 West 42nd Street
Join the Forum + Institute for Urban Design, Kohn Pedersen Fox, and New London Architecture for our eighth New York – London Exchange discussing innovative approaches to affordable and supportive housing.
The rising cost of housing threatens the diversity of cities like New York and London. What does ‘affordable’ housing mean in both cities? How are both cities catering to their lower- and middle-income earners?
Our exchange, hosted simultaneously in London and New York, will explore best practices from both cities, including London developer Pocket’s micro-units for middle-income buyers, and New York developer Common Ground’s supportive housing model for low-income and formerly homeless individuals.
This event is free to attend but advance registration is necessary. Breakfast will be served from 8:30 and the event will start promptly at 9:00.
Speakers
 | Daniel Hernandez Daniel Hernandez is the Deputy Commissioner for Neighborhood Strategies at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, overseeing the implementation of the de Blasio administration’s NYC Housing Plan. Hernandez is also the founding principal of Topology, a real estate development advisory firm. |
 | Ben Rogers Ben Rogers is the Founder and Director of Centre for London, a think tank dedicated to creating a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable London. Rogers is a writer and policy thinker, with a particular focus on cities, citizenship, social capital, public service reform, and the built environment. He was previously an Associate Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research. |
 | Brenda Rosen Brenda Rosen is the President and CEO of Common Ground, a non-profit devoted to developing and sustaining supportive and affordable housing and programs for homeless and other vulnerable New Yorkers. Rosen has devoted her career to the issue of homelessness, previously serving as an attorney in New York City’s Department of Homeless Services. |
 | Marc Vlessing Marc Vlessing is the Founder and CEO of Pocket, a London-based developer of compact one bedroom homes. Pocket’s units sell for at least 20% less than the surrounding market rate and the company has attracted £21.7m of investment from London mayor Boris Johnson. Vlessing has a background in City corporate finance, company management and venture capital. |
Image: The Brook, Gorlin Architects and Common Ground
Tags: NY-LON