February 2026 | Message from our Executive Director
| Welcome Ben! This month we welcome a new team member – Ben Cattell Noll. As our new Training and Education Director, Ben will lead our statewide training and technical assistance efforts by assessing needs, developing strategy, and designing and delivering learning opportunities. He will partner with other Housing Alliance staff along with our external nonprofit, housing provider, and government stakeholders to identify emerging trends and opportunities to strengthen the sector. Speaking on his behalf, I know he looks forward to partnering with you to make a home within reach available to all. Everyone is Talking about Housing Affordability This isn’t new news but it is a timely reminder. I was struck by it again when I had the opportunity to testify before the Senate Majority Policy Committee at its Public Hearing on Housing Attainability. The theme of the testimony was best captured by two memorable statements: “Housing is essential to growth, not adjacent to it,” and “Housing is inseparable from economic competitiveness.” I want to thank Senator Dave Argall, Chair of the Senate Majority Policy Committee and a longtime friend of the Housing Alliance, along with Senator Pat Stefano for hosting the hearing in his community. The hard work, of course, lies in reaching agreement on the policy solutions needed to move forward. But recognizing the scope of the problem – and its impact on industries and communities alike – is an important place to begin. In solidarity, Phyllis Chamberlain Executive Director |