February 3, 2003

Conference President Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino held the first meeting January 23 of the regional housing chairs, charging them with the responsibility of developing grassroots action that will stimulate national attention on housing. More specifically, the ten regional housing chairs are to raise awareness about affordable housing issues; promote advocacy work on housing at regional, state and national levels; and, build relationships with regional and nationally elected officials as well as with private sector and other possible partners. Dallas Mayor Laura Miller, Chair of the Southwest region, held her first meeting during the Winter Conference. Mayor Miller has developed a strategy that may become a model for several other regions.