Fairbanks Symposium brings former HUD Secretary Julian Castro to “City of Homes” event at the University of Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS – The 2018 Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium on Civic Leadership: “A City of Homes” highlights the critical role housing has played in shaping the development of Indianapolis and the important housing challenges facing cities as they prepare for the future.
Julian Castro, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and former mayor of San Antonio, will lead a conversation about the impact of housing on urban growth with Carolyn Coleman, executive director of the League of California Cities and former deputy mayor of Indianapolis. Coleman also serves on the University of Indianapolis Board of Trustees. Castro served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2014 to 2017 and as mayor of San Antonio from 2009 to 2014.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have two national experts here to help us make sense of this profound problem facing communities everywhere. Both Julian Castro and Carolyn Coleman bring a wealth of experience in leadership at the municipal and national levels,” said Ted Frantz, professor of history and director of the University’s Institute for Civic Leadership & Mayoral Archives.
The symposium will be held 8 a.m., Friday, March 2, in the Schwitzer Student Center at the University of Indianapolis. Registration is required for this free event, presented by the University of Indianapolis, Indiana Humanities and Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing PartnershipⓇ (INHP), and generously supported by the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation.
The symposium tackles the major housing issues facing Indianapolis, such as improving access to affordable housing, its relationship to employment and the role of transportation when calculating the cost of living. In this context, the symposium explores Indianapolis’ reputation as a “city of homes” and how that presents unique challenges to the city’s growth.
“More than 28 percent of Marion County households are housing-cost burdened, a contributing factor to the sustainability of our neighborhoods,” said Moira Carlstedt, president and CEO of INHP. “We are eager to participate in this important dialogue alongside Mr. Castro and former Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Carolyn Coleman to share how INHP, in partnership with the community, is addressing this issue, both in the creation of more affordable housing opportunities in Indianapolis and preparing homebuyers for a long-term, successful investment.”
Since its inception in 2013, the Fairbanks symposium has facilitated conversation about important civic issues, including the role of sports strategies to provide growth and civic engagement, the role of green space in urban development as well as the politics of civility. The event pairs local and national experts to explore and define important issues affecting cities today and in the future.
“Each year, the Fairbanks Symposium is an opportunity to discuss the importance of visionary civic leadership in driving Indianapolis forward,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “We look forward to Secretary Castro’s observations on the role of affordable housing in creating a great quality of life in the Circle City.”
About the University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis, founded in 1902, is a private, liberal arts university located just a few minutes from downtown Indianapolis. UIndy is ranked among the top Midwest Universities by the U.S. News and World Report, with a diverse enrollment of more than 5,500 undergraduates, 1,300 graduate students and 400 continuing education students. The University offers a wide variety of study areas, including 100 undergraduate degrees, more than 35 master’s degree programs and five doctoral programs. With strong programs in the health sciences, engineering, business and education, UIndy impacts its community by living its motto, “Education for Service.” www.uindy.edu.
About Indiana Humanities
Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.
About Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership
The Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP) increases affordable and sustainable housing opportunities for individuals and families in Marion County, and serves as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. INHP enables families to become and remain long-term, successful homeowners through homebuyer education, mortgage and credit advising and lending services. INHP also provides thought leadership, technical assistance, financial support and programming to community partners dedicated to neighborhood revitalization. For more information, visit INHP.org.