Dr. Stephen Berrey, associate professor of history at the University of Michigan and director of the Sundown Towns Project, will serve as keynote speaker at the fifth annual Fair Housing Symposium hosted by Scottsdale REALTORS on April 28, according to an announcement on Apr. 6.
The symposium aims to address fair housing issues and raise awareness about historical and ongoing barriers to equal housing opportunities. Understanding these topics is considered important for building more inclusive communities.
Berrey said, “Knowing the history of sundown towns, including places that excluded Black Americans, Asian Americans, Jewish Americans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans, helps us understand the legacies of these pasts today and provides context for how to create vibrant, welcoming communities in the present.”
Scottsdale REALTORS President Polly Blackwell said race remains a frequent basis for fair housing complaints. “As REALTORS, we have legal and ethical obligations to uphold fair housing laws. Doing so makes us champions for expanding housing opportunities.” Veteran advocate Laurie Benner will discuss current threats to fair housing such as proposed changes by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that would rescind certain discriminatory effects regulations known as disparate impact. Benner said, “HUD wants to pass enforcement of fair housing violations to the courts, making it more costly, time consuming,0and creating significant barriers to upholding laws that have been in place for almost six decades.”
Mayor Corey Woods will moderate the event and demonstrate his work on affordable housing initiatives in Tempe through improved community development standards. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. until noon with tickets available online.
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce promotes a more inclusive business environment through initiatives supporting community prosperity according to its official website. The organization focuses on advancing community prosperity through advocacy and business development according to its official website, operates in the Scottsdale region according to its official website, advocates for pro-business policies at city, county and state levels according to its official website, engages in collaborative efforts like the East Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance for advocacy according to its official website, and offers resources such as networking opportunities and professional development for members according to its official website.
Looking ahead, organizers expect continued discussions about equity in local real estate practices while connecting industry professionals with broader community efforts toward inclusion.
