< Back to news

Simon Kawitzky Shares Insights on Affordable Housing Trends Panel

The New York Affordable Housing Summit brings together policymakers, developers, advocates, and community leaders to discuss housing solutions.

Simon Kawitzky (center) speaks on a panel at the New York Affordable Housing Summit on May 7, 2026. Photo by City & State.

Simon Kawitzky, Senior Vice President of Real Estate at Volunteers of America-Greater New York, brought his expertise to a panel at the New York Affordable Housing Summit on May 7, 2026. He joined leaders and experts from government, housing agencies and the private sector to discuss affordable housing trends across New York state. The panelists discussed funding, capital initiatives, zoning reforms, financing models, and community-driven strategies to advance equitable, long-term housing outcomes statewide.

Panelists included:

  • Stacy Bliagos (Moderator), Executive Director, HANAC
  • Seth Bynum, Senior Advisor for Housing Policy and Development, Deputy Mayor for Housing + Planning
  • Edith Hsu-Chen, Executive Director, New York City Department of City Planning
  • David Quart, Principal/ Northeast Markets Development Lead, VHB
  • Kieran Harrington, CEO, RiseBoro Community Partnership

The New York Affordable Housing Summit brings together policymakers, developers, advocates, and community leaders and aims to explore housing solutions for New Yorkers at every income level.