Chamber Issues Forum: Childcare & Public Spaces for Public Good
2026-06-25 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Detroit) | The Information Center at The Rapid Central Station, 250 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids, 49503-4005, United States
Registration & Pricing

Join housing leaders, stakeholders, and community members from across the region at the West Michigan Housing Summit for a dynamic, solutions-focused conference centered on innovative strategies for addressing housing challenges. This summit brings together cross-sector voices committed to moving beyond conversation and toward coordinated action on the region’s most pressing housing challenges.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A dynamic opening session from Sam Cummings and Ryan Kilpatrick, reflecting on where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we’re headed together as a region. Six targeted breakout sessions addressing critical housing issues, including: A legislative panel featuring leaders in housing reforms.Strategies for effective public engagement around housing and growthCorridor development and place-based investment to drive vibrancyPathways and tools for emerging developersThe limitations of subsidy-only approaches to housing affordabilityEffective, coordinated responses to homelessness

Closing with Energy

Coby Lefkowitz will tie together insights from the day and challenge attendees to think boldly optimistic about the future of housing through coordinated, cross-sector solutions. Coby is the author of Building Optimism: What a World that Looks Better, Works Better, and Feels Better Could Look Like where he explores how we can create more beautiful and livable communities.

Donor and sponsor support makes this convening possible and positions partners at the center of regional housing leadership. Sponsors gain visibility with key decision-makers, align their brand with measurable community impact, and help catalyze the ideas and collaborations that move housing solutions forward.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This summit is for leaders and changemakers committed to improving housing outcomes, including: Housing practitioners and advocatesGovernment and public sector leadersDevelopers and real estate professionalsEmerging developers and entrepreneursNonprofit and community-based leadersPhilanthropic and funding partnersPolicy and civic engagement professionalsAnyone invested in housing affordability, availability, and stabilityIf you’re working to shape the future of housing in West Michigan, this summit is for you.

AGENDA12:30 p.m. Registration and Networking 1:00 p.m. Opening Remarks and IntroductionJennifer Radaz, Housing NextRyan Kilpatrick, Flywheel Community Development ServicesSam Cummings, CWD Real Estate Investment 1:40 p.m. Transition + Networking Break 1:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions State Legislative PanelState Representatives Wooden, Grant and AragonaModerated by Joshua Lunger, Grand Rapids Chamber Public EngagementJason Wheeler, Wheeler DevelopmentRyan Schmidt, IndigoRowan Brady, City of Grand RapidsModerated by Rebekah Kik, City of Kalamazoo Corridor RedevelopmentCameron VanWyngarden, Plainfield TownshipNicole Hofert, City of WyomingModerated by Ryan Kilpatrick, Flywheel Community Development Services 2:40 p.m. Transition + Networking Break 2:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions Affordability Won’t Be Solved by Subsidy AloneDave Levitt, Third CoastBev Thiel, Habitat for Humanity of Kent CountyModerated by Ryan Kilpatrick, Flywheel Community Development Services Effective Response to HomelessnessThelma Ensink, Degagé MinistriesAdrienne Goodstal, North Kent ConnectTenisa Frye, Family Promise of West Michigan 4:00 p.m. KeynoteCoby Lefkowitz, author of “Building Optimism: What a World that Looks Better, Works Better, and Feels Better Could Look Like” 5:00 p.m. Happy Hour 6:00 p.m. Adjourn

Meet our speakers

Coby Lefkowitz

Co-Founder & Principal

Backyard

ABOUT Coby Lefkowitz

Ryan Kilpatrick

Founder + CEO

Flywheel Community Development Services

ABOUT Ryan Kilpatrick

Sam Cummings

Managing Partner

CWD Real Estate Investment

ABOUT Sam Cummings

Event Sponsors

Premier Sponsor

Housing Champions

West Michigan Housing Summit
2026-08-06 12:30 - 18:00 | Richard M. DeVos Center, GVSU’s Pew Campus, 401 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, 49504, United States

First Friday Update
2026-08-07 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-09-04 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-10-02 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-11-06 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-12-04 10:00 - 10:30 | Zoom Webinar

Chamber Issues Forum
2026-08-28 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-11-20 08:00 - 10:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

Breakfast With Legislators
2026-09-21 07:30 - 09:00, 2026-12-07 07:30 - 09:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
