Georgia Regional Pro-Housing Policy Forum

December 2, 2025

Georgia’s housing shortage is squeezing families, stalling growth, and straining communities from Atlanta to Savannah. The Georgia Pro-Housing Policy Forum convenes leaders from government, business, finance, and advocacy to cut through political gridlock, harness bipartisan federal momentum, and deliver bold, practical solutions that match homes to the needs of Georgia’s people, unlocking housing abundance and economic vitality statewide.

Featured speakers:

Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown

President and CEO, Georgia Advancing Communities Together, Inc.

Mike Kingsella

Founder and CEO, Up for Growth and Up for Growth Action

Egbert Perry

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Integral Group

Chatiqua Ellison

Deputy Chief Housing Officer, City of Atlanta

Courtney English

Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor,Office of Mayor Andre Dickens

Dr. Mike Wilkerson

Director of Economic Research, Econorthwest

Leah MacArthur

Chief of Staff, Up for Growth

Lee Hill

Partner, Baker Donelson

Harriett Tregoning

Director, NUMO Alliance, World Resources Institute

Colin Higgins

Executive Director, National Housing Crisis Task Force

Agenda

Tuesday, December 02nd, 2025

2:00pm

Doors Open

2:30pm

Opening Remarks

Egbert Perry

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Integral Group

Courtney English

Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor, Office of Mayor Andre Dickens

Chatiqua Ellison

Deputy Chief Housing Officer, City of Atlanta

2:45pm

A Bolder Abundance Agenda: Solving Georgia's Housing Crisis

This session will use local data to highlight why solving Georgia’s housing shortage demands smarter solutions than just zoning reform and building more. The discussion will connect Georgia’s challenges to Up for Growth Action’s federal agenda, combining an interview-style conversation with key slides and visuals.

Dr. Michael Wilkerson

Director of Economic Research, Econorthwest; Policy Fellow, Up for Growth

Leah MacArthur

Chief of Staff, Up for Growth

3:10pm

Rural Housing: Building Where It's Hardest

The rural housing shortage is driven by low appraisals, high construction costs, limited financing, and aging infrastructure. This session explores how federal and state tools can partner with local leadership to turn rural housing policy into production.

Lee Hill

Partner, Baker Donelson

More Speakers Coming Soon!

3:50pm

Break

Take a short break and engage with our live polling. QR codes will be available on tables for you to scan, share your thoughts, and help shape the conversation.

4:05pm

Metro Momentum: Solving Urban & Suburban Housing Shortages

Metro Atlanta and fast-growing suburban regions are struggling with supply, permitting, and financing bottlenecks. This panel brings together public, private, and civic leaders to bridge local innovation and federal opportunity.

Colin Higgins

Executive Director, National Housing Crisis Task Force

Harriett Tregoning

Director, NUMO Alliance, World Resources Institute

More Speakers Coming Soon!

4:45pm

Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Close out the day with a strong call to action, encouraging continued advocacy and coalition engagement. Mike will outline clear next steps for how participants can stay involved and help drive lasting change.