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Events

On campus and online, we host dozens of events each year to examine important housing policy issues. In addition to seminars, lectures, and panel discussions here at Harvard, we convene conferences and symposia around the country, bringing together housing practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. Please sign up for our email list at the bottom of this page to hear about upcoming events, and visit YouTube to watch videos of past events.

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Nov 20
Denver mayor Mike Johnston.

Delivering Denver's Historic Reduction in Unsheltered Homelessness: A Discussion with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has led ambitious efforts to move thousands of people experiencing homelessness into housing through programs that have become national models for collaboration and measurable results. He will reflect on Denver’s progress, lessons learned, and the challenges ahead in pursuing sustainable housing and health solutions.
Thu, Nov 20, 2025
3:15 pm ET
In Person
Nov 18
Multifamily housing under construction.

Affordable Housing Finance: Strategies, Challenges, and the Way Forward

Massachusetts and the nation are at a pivotal moment for affordable housing. Join us for a discussion on the evolving landscape of affordable housing finance, from emerging policy models and the impacts of current federal disruptions to actionable strategies for supporting mixed-income and low-income housing across the Commonwealth and beyond.
Tue, Nov 18, 2025
4:00 pm ET
Virtual
Nov 14
The Last House on the Block book cover

Last House on the Block: Black Homeowners, White Homesteaders, and Failed Gentrification in Detroit

In the minds of many, Detroit is undergoing a renaissance thanks to gentrifying urbanites drawn to the city by cheap housing and a thriving culture. But what happens when gentrification comes to one of the most depopulated neighborhoods in the country—a place where every other property is a vacant lot and every third house stands empty?
Fri, Nov 14, 2025
12:15 pm ET
Virtual
Nov 7
Los Angeles bus stop.

Transit-Oriented Incentives and Multifamily Housing: Evidence from Los Angeles

Spurred by rising housing costs, many US cities and states have adopted policies that make it easier to build new housing, often by allowing denser, multifamily units in areas previously limited to lower-density single-family and small multifamily homes.
Fri, Nov 7, 2025
12:15 pm ET
Virtual
Nov 5
Man unpacking clothing in bedroom.

Using Data to Address Homelessness: Insights from a National Study on Permanent Supportive Housing

Permanent Supportive Housing can be an effective way to reduce homelessness, but a national survey conducted by the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab found that providers often lack the data needed to track PSH vacancies and quickly move people into those units.
Wed, Nov 5, 2025
1:00 pm ET
Virtual
Oct 24
A neighborhood of triple decker homes in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Unlocking the Missing Middle: Legal Reforms and Other Solutions to Expand Housing Options in Massachusetts

Missing middle housing is increasingly viewed as one possible solution to the affordable housing crisis. However, zoning regulations, development review processes, complicated financing structures, and other obstacles have made it difficult, if not impossible, to build.
Fri, Oct 24, 2025
2:00 pm ET
Virtual
Oct 3
B&W photo of an interior staircase

Building for Safety: Assessing Fire Codes in Multifamily Housing

While building codes have reduced the risk of dangerous fires in multifamily homes over time, some common aspects of fire codes, such as requiring two staircases in buildings taller than three stories, may unnecessarily restrict the development of affordable, well-designed multifamily housing.
Fri, Oct 3, 2025
12:15 pm ET
Virtual
Sep 26
Aerial view of modern housing.

'HOME'CAST: Shaping the Built Environment through Data-Driven Innovation

In a rapidly changing world, the future of housing is increasingly entangled with the complexities of a transforming energy landscape. HOMECAST explores how AI, predictive analytics, and climate finance are converging to shape housing systems that are both resilient and responsive to change.
Fri, Sep 26, 2025
10:00 am - 5:00 pm ET

Please sign up for our mailing list at the bottom of the page to learn about new events as they are announced.

Our Mission

The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies strives to improve equitable access to decent, affordable homes in thriving communities. We conduct rigorous research to advance policy and practice, and we bring together diverse stakeholders to spark new ideas for addressing housing challenges. Through teaching and fellowships, we mentor and inspire the next generation of housing leaders.

About Us
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Family sitting together.