The NewDEAL Forum Launches Housing Task Force
For Immediate Release:
April 9, 2025
Contact: Jonathon Dworkin (NewDEAL), 202-660-1340 x5, jonathon@newdealleaders.org
Washington, D.C. – The NewDEAL Forum has announced the launch of its Housing Task Force, the first initiative in a new Affordability Project that will examine the most effective, practical solutions to the long-term challenge of rising costs of major expenses. The Housing Task Force will bring together state and local elected officials, experts from non-profits, and industry to discuss and share smart, pragmatic responses to remove barriers to housing in communities across the country.
“From the coast to the heartland, and across the ideological spectrum, Americans are concerned about the increasing cost of housing,” said NewDEAL Forum Executive Director Jonathon Dworkin. “State and local policymakers are at the forefront of finding solutions to meaningfully address this challenge so that American families can thrive. At a time when the possibilities for federal support are particularly limited, this task force will cultivate and share the best ideas for addressing the housing crisis that is affecting communities all across the country.”
The Housing Task Force will be co-chaired by three elected officials who are leading the way in advancing pragmatic solutions and are deeply committed to addressing current housing challenges:
Zach Conine, Treasurer of Nevada;
Kesha Hodge Washington, Phoenix City Council; and
Royce Duplessis, Louisiana State Senator.
The first meeting of the Housing Task Force will be held at the NewDEAL Forum’s 2025 Ideas Summit, taking place on May 4-5 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The task force’s efforts will focus specifically on housing affordability, access, and development. The good news is that many state and local leaders are already working on policies to address the cost of housing. From addressing regulations to thinking outside the box when it comes to building materials, policies exist to provide the relief many Americans need.
The task force will shine a national spotlight on these pragmatic solutions, as well as discuss new ways to address an array of issues related to housing.
Key Focus Areas of the NewDEAL Forum Housing Task Force:
Regulations and Permitting: America faces a shortage of housing, particularly affordable housing. State and local governments can examine and revise regulations to speed up the process of building new housing units with an eye towards the needs of today and the next generation.
Homeowner’s Insurance: Climate change is a major factor influencing often-dramatic increases in insurance for homeowners. From building codes to assistance, there are ways states and local governments can help.
Innovation: From 3-D printing to adaptive reuse projects to increase housing units, state and local governments can learn from those localities that have used innovative ways to address the housing crisis.
"As Nevada’s Chief Investment Officer, I am determined to use every tool at my disposal to tackle this state’s housing crisis," said Nevada Treasurer and Housing Task Force Co-Chair Zach Conine. "I’m excited to co-chair this task force so I can both share ideas we have implemented and learn innovative solutions from others.
"The housing crisis is evident as more of our workforce increasingly cannot afford to live close to their workplace because housing is either unavailable or unaffordable,” said Phoenix Councilwoman and Housing Task Force Co-Chair Kesha Hodge Washington. “As co-chair of this task force, I look forward to working with leaders from across the country to find pragmatic solutions to address housing supply and affordability.”
"Our communities are facing tremendous pressure due to skyrocketing home insurance costs," said Louisiana State Senator and Housing Task Force Co-Chair Royce Duplessis. "This task force is a way to roll up our sleeves and find solutions that work."
The Housing Task Force is the first part of a larger effort by the NewDEAL Forum to deal with affordability issues. Beyond housing, Americans are facing high costs associated with childcare, groceries, and other essentials. In the coming months and years, the NewDEAL Forum’s Affordability Project will examine other issues, looking for the same pragmatic solutions to real problems as the Housing Task Force.
About the Housing Task Force Co-Chairs:
Zach Conine, Treasurer of Nevada: As an entrepreneur and business leader, Zach knows that responsible financial management is the key to ensuring long-term growth for the State. Zach has worked to increase the role of the Treasurer’s Office, advocating for sound fiscal policies that will empower workers, diversify the economy, and increase access to higher education for all Nevadans.
Kesha Hodge Washington, Phoenix Councilwoman: Kesha serves on the Audit Committee, the Economic Development and Housing and Transportation Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittees, and her top priorities in the district are homelessness, affordable and attainable housing, and economic development. She is a vocal advocate for housing protection and combatting the devastating, long-lasting impacts that flow from an eviction and homelessness. Among other measures, she leads in calling for protective initiatives, such as right to counsel programs, that bring balance and fairness to the eviction process.
Royce Duplessis, Louisiana State Senator: Prior to becoming a state senator, Royce represented District 93 in the Louisiana House of Representatives. While serving in the legislature, he has passed commonsense criminal justice reforms, championed legislation to expand access to affordable healthcare, prioritized efforts to allow for paid sick leave, worked to make housing more affordable, fought to enact a living wage, and more.
About The NewDEAL Forum
The NewDEAL Forum is dedicated to developing and advocating for innovative policy solutions at the state and local levels. By fostering collaboration among leaders and experts, the Forum addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing communities today.
