FARMER HOUSING WORKING GROUP
Organizing for affordable farmer housing in the Hudson Valley
Community learning series sessions
In February and March 2023, the Working Group hosted four online sessions to present research findings, open community dialogue, and introduce advisors and partners. Below are recordings and materials for each session.
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SESSION 1: Community Context & the State of the Issue
Feb. 9, 2023, 6:00–7:30pm on Zoom
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About the Farmer Housing Working Group; project goals & expected outcomes
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Results of Farmer Housing Needs Survey
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Mapping the network of supporters & service providers
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Introductions & feedback from affordable housing organizations
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Presenters: Working group members Faith Gilbert & Leslie Lewis; Representatives from RUPCO, Hudson River Housing, Pattern for Progress, and Habitat for Humanity
SESSION 2: Envisioning Centralized Farmer Housing
Feb. 16, 2023, 6:00–7:30pm on Zoom
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Examples of rural cooperative housing developments
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Examples of non-profit-led rural housing developments
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Discussion groups: share your vision for centralized housing
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Presenters: Emily Hamilton / Lorne Norton, RUPCO; Katherine Bessey, Cooperative Development Institute
SESSION 3: Building On-Farm Housing
Feb. 23, 2023, 6:00–7:30pm on Zoom
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Current costs to build research results
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Potential for financing & grants
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Navigating zoning and permitting for on-farm housing
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Regulatory oversight & technical assistance
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Presenters: Working group members Kimberly Licurse and Faith Gilbert; Kirsten Doland, loan officer, Farm Credit East; Neil Alexander, Esq. / Alec Gladd, Esq., Cuddy + Feder LLP; Jay Canonzier, Cornell Workforce Development
Working Group Slides
Cuddy + Feder Slides
Financial Planning Resource Spreadsheet
SESSION 4: Policy Objectives
Mar. 2, 2023, 6:00–7:30pm on Zoom
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Mapping the political and regulatory landscape that shapes housing development
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Policy ideas to jump-start pathways to farmer housing
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Presenters: Working group members Chris Nickell, Sarah Elisabeth, and Jojo Attal