While Gov. Hochul vowed to provide funding to adequately finance MTA projects, at press time no firm plans have been released.
According to the FBI’s 2023 Internet Crime Complaint Center Report, there were more than 101,068 complaints filed by individuals over 60 years old resulting in more than $3.4 billion in losses in 2023.
A well-known business leader, Weale was perhaps best known for co-founding Country Bank in Carmel and later serving as President and CEO of the Putnam County Economic Development Corp. for 13 years.
At the heart of the DEI Summit lies a commitment to regional collaboration—recognizing that by uniting our efforts, we can amplify our impact and affect meaningful change.
As the real estate landscape evolves, so should our understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the industry. With this vision in mind, the 3rd annual DEI Real Estate Summit, taking place on June 3-4 in Newark, NJ, stands as a beacon of progress and collaboration. Hosted by seven Realtor associations, this summit is not just a conference—it's an experience designed to empower professionals and drive positive change in our industry.
Newark is the perfect backdrop for this year’s Summit. With its rich history and diverse community, it is a great example of resiliency emerging as a vibrant cultural and economic center of the state. One of my good friends attended Seton Hall Law School, so I spent some time in Newark and have seen, firsthand, its real estate market rebound, with a mix of properties and new developments attracting investors and homebuyers alike.
At the heart of the DEI Summit lies a commitment to regional collaboration—recognizing that by uniting our efforts, we can amplify our impact and affect meaningful change. A stand-alone approach in anything we do, specifically on DEI & Fair Housing, isn’t enough. This spirit extends beyond individual associations. It is a partnership with professionals nationwide, evidenced by the diverse lineup of speakers and participants set to converge in Newark.
Our keynote speaker, Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of TIAA, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. She has a background in financial services and offers perspectives on retirement, financial wealth, the intersection of DEI within the real estate sector, and building generational wealth. Her presence underscores the importance of bridging the gap between finance and real estate, highlighting the interconnection of these industries in shaping economic opportunities and social equity.
The summit's agenda is as diverse as its attendees, featuring a range of thought-provoking sessions and interactive workshops and networking. From panel discussions on legislative advocacy to deep dives into appraisal biases and real-life scenarios of agent-to-agent racism, each session is designed to provoke reflection, foster dialogue and inspire action.
One session, "Advancing DEI in an Anti-DEI Climate," promises to be particularly timely and relevant. In today’s environment, DEI initiatives continue to face resistance and backlash, and this session will offer invaluable insights into overcoming challenges and driving meaningful change.
By attending the DEI Summit, real estate professionals can not only build their core competencies but also reaffirm their commitment to empathy, curiosity and service. In doing so, they not only enhance their own success but also contribute to the collective advancement of the industry.
As we gather in Newark, let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and innovation, recognizing that by working together, we can truly transform real estate for the better for everyone. The DEI Summit is not just a conference—it's a catalyst for change.
Freddimir Garcia is the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
The strategic planning process has engaged stakeholders across all levels of the organization, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration.
Elected officials, seeking to appease vocal constituents, frequently uphold restrictive zoning laws that favor single-family residences over more diverse housing options.
These systematic barriers hindered the accumulation of wealth for African Americans for decades; this hindrance deprived many black families of the opportunity to pass down property and assets to future generations, thereby perpetuating economic disparities.
Traditional lenders often hesitate to finance such projects due to perceived risks or unfamiliarity with emerging technologies and practices.
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