Housing & Community Development Leadership Insititue

HCDLI Lunch & Learn: Workshop Lineup

Every Thursday this summer, the HCDLI is bringing back its summer Lunch & Learn series starting July 9 through August 27. Each session will run during the lunch hour and will focus on practical, highly identified topics by our participants and partner network. These sessions will provide participants the opportunity to sharpen skills, learn from real-world examples, and connect with peers across the sector. Check out our workshop schedule below!

Fundraising Mindset

July 9, 2026 | 12 - 1pm | Virtual

Successful fundraising starts with the right mindset. In this Lunch & Learn, we'll explore how to move beyond common barriers, build authentic relationships, and make confident, effective asks. Participants will gain practical strategies for engaging stakeholders, conducting successful one-on-one meetings, and creating opportunities that lead to stronger fundraising outcomes.

Best Practices in Meeting Facilitation

July 16, 2026 | 12 - 1pm | Virtual

In this Lunch & Learn session, participants will explore tried-and-true practices for leading effective discussions, encouraging meaningful participation, managing group dynamics, and keeping conversations focused on outcomes. The workshop will focus on the fundamentals that make meetings and workshops engaging, productive, and action-oriented. Whether you're leading team meetings, engaging with stakeholders, hosting community workshops, or other peer-to-peer conversations, this session will leave you with tools and takeaways to strengthen your meeting facilitation skills.

Leadership Development

July 23, 2026 | 12 - 1pm | Virtual

Leadership isn't a title—it's a set of skills that anyone can develop with intention and practice. In this interactive Lunch & Learn, participants will explore the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership and discover practical ways to strengthen their ability to influence, inspire, collaborate, and create positive change in their everyday work. Through facilitated discussions and reflection exercises, attendees will identify opportunities to lead through projects, relationships, ideas, and service—regardless of their formal role. Participants will leave with greater confidence, practical strategies, and a personalized understanding of how to grow as a leader while making a meaningful impact in affordable housing.

Asset Management

July 30, 2026 | 12 - 1pm | Virtual

Join us for a Lunch & Learn featuring National Equity Fund's Matt Boelter, Senior Vice President of Asset Resolution and Portfolio Management, as he shares insights into NEF's portfolio management approach and provide perspective as an investor, discuss current priorities, and highlight emerging opportunities in asset management within the affordable housing industry. This session will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how NEF supports long-term asset performance while navigating today's evolving market. 

Development Project Case Studies

August 6, 2026 | 12 - 1:30pm | Virtual

Join the HCDLI with Sheldon Oak Central, Branford Affordable Housing, and Green Planet Company for a Lunch & Learn session featuring development case studies to provide a firsthand look at the development process in urban and suburban communities. Through real-world examples, participants will gain insights into the development stages while exploring unique opportunities, challenges, and considerations and innovative solutions in different settings. 

Opportunities and Challenges - Development in Rural and Suburban Communities

August 13, 2026 | 12:30 - 1:30pm | Virtual

Suburban and rural communities present new opportunities and complex challenges for affordable housing development in collaboration with nonprofit organizations, municipalities, community partners, and faith-based institutions. In this session, participants will explore emerging trends and understand the unique assets and needs of suburban and rural areas, discuss ongoing barriers and challenges, and learn about innovative approaches to developing affordable housing in suburban and rural neighborhoods. This workshop will also delve into how LISC Connecticut has been working alongside communities and for-profit and nonprofit developers to provide technical assistance and capacity building support in suburban and rural areas through the Community Housing Connections (CHC) program.

Public Housing Authorities in the Housing Ecosystem

August 20, 2026 | 12 - 1pm | Virtual

With Park City Communities, the Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport, this Lunch & Learn session will explore the vital role of public housing authorities in the creation and preservation of affordable housing. Participants will gain a better understanding of how housing authorities collaborate with developers, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to address local housing needs.

Mass Timber Project + Site Tour

August 21, 2026 | 11am - 1pm | In-person (New Haven)

Beulah Land Development Corp. (BLDC), in partnership with Spiritos Properties and HELP Development Corp., transformed vacant lots at 340 Dixwell Ave. into a 69-unit mixed-use development. Supported in part by National Equity Fund (NEF), the project is the East Coast’s first LIHTC development built with sustainable mass timber and includes 55 affordable units for low-income households earning 60 percent or less of the area median income, and an additional 20 units for people experiencing homelessness. Join the HCDLI and BLDC for a Lunch & Learn session featuring the mass timber development project, including an on-site property tour. The session will be held at Beulah Heights Church (782 Orchard St. New Haven) from 11am-1pm. The on-site property tour will be held at the property on 340 Dixwell Ave.

Policy in Housing

August 27, 2026 | 12 - 1:30pm | Virtual

Join us for a Lunch & Learn with the Partnership for Strong Communities as they provide an update on the current housing policy landscape and its implications for affordable housing. This session will cover recent legislative and policy developments, emerging priorities, and opportunities to advance housing solutions at the state and local levels. Gain valuable insights into the issues shaping the industry and hear how policy changes may impact affordable housing development, and the role of The Partnership in the housing space.