NLIHC Attended the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 55th Annual Legislative Conference: Rooted, Ready, and Rising

For the second year in a row, NLIHC joined the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference, a premier policy and leadership gathering of lawmakers, advocates, community leaders, and partners from across the country. It is a space to exchange ideas, build relationships, and shape solutions to the challenges facing Black communities. 

Throughout the week, NLIHC staff spoke about the national housing crisis and its disproportionate toll on Black families and other marginalized communities. Staff shared the latest research from Out of Reach and The Gap reports, previewed the upcoming Annual Policy Forum March 2-5, 2027, and offered advocacy tools and resources for people and organizations ready to join the movement for housing justice. 

Staff connected with a wide range of partners, from arts advocates to organizations serving mothers and teens. Each conversation helps build a broader movement and raises awareness of the growing housing instability and homelessness across the country. 

During the conference, Renee M. Willis, NLIHC President and CEO, joined a panel to share the success of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a key bipartisan housing package that became law in July. The panel was convened by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver and Congresswoman Maxine Waters and brought together housing leaders including:  

• Adrianne Todman, Former Acting HUD Secretary, CEO of National Rental Home Council 
• Ashley Thomas III, President of The National Association of Real Estate Brokers 
• John Jones, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trust 

Renee highlighted several NLIHC priorities included in the new law, highlighting reforms to strengthen disaster recovery, preserve affordable rural housing, and improve the Housing Choice Voucher program. Although the bill is a major success, she emphasized that significant work remains to address the nation’s affordable housing crisis, including greater federal investments and rental assistance to ensure households with the lowest incomes are stably housed.  

NLIHC is committed to building and strengthening the cultural, political, and coalition partnerships necessary to achieve housing justice through the Strategic Partnerships team. We do this through meaningful relationships with faith-based organizations, artists, service providers, culture groups, philanthropic foundations, and national coalitions. The CBCF conference is one of many opportunities to advance this mission. Conferences like this help us connect with leaders across sectors, uplift the voices of those most impacted by the housing crisis, and expand the movement for safe, affordable, and accessible housing.