Habitat for Humanity’s Turning the Key to Homeownership

Join Habitat for Humanity of Dane County and Habitat for Humanity International for a lively and solutions-driven discussion on tackling the affordable housing crisis head-on. Scarcity of workforce housing limits economic development and the growth of our vibrant business community in Dane County, but progress is possible. 

Panelists: 

• Kurt Paulsen (Moderator), Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at University of Wisconsin-Madison 

• Elmer Moore, CEO & Executive Director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) 

• Gary Gorman, Chair of the Board of Directors and former CEO of Gorman & Company 

• Julia Arata-Fratta, Mayor of the City of Fitchburg 

• Michael Ward, Senior VP of Business & Community Development at Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation 

• Nyra Jordan, Associate VP of Community & Social Impact at American Family Insurance 

With housing challenges at the forefront of local and national conversations, this discussion will highlight the collective action needed—from businesses, non-profits and government—to drive real change. Together, we can make homeownership more accessible for all. 

Turning the Key to Homeownership is a local activation of Home is the Key. Home is the Key is Habitat for Humanity’s annual awareness campaign to call attention to the need for affordable housing and to help open the door to equitable homeownership across the U.S. 

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 

Location: TruStage Lighthouse Auditorium 5810 Mineral Point Road Madison WI 53705 

Event timeline: 

• Doors open at 7:30 a.m. – light breakfast 

• 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. – Program 

• 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Networking 

Arrive early at the beautiful TruStage Lighthouse building to enjoy a light breakfast and time to network. The program begins promptly at 8:15 a.m. Time available after the program for conversation and collaboration. Indoor parking is provided for attendees. Registration is required for entry into the TruStage building, and space is limited—reserve your spot today!