Parsons School of Design is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board for UHAB’s 2026 Social Housing Conference.
Monday, April 20th
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
New School University Center
Parsons School of Design
The New School
Join us for a full-day event bringing together community members, housing organizers, practitioners, academics, public officials and social housing advocates to engage in generative discussions, and advance the future of community- controlled, permanently affordable housing in New York City and beyond.
This is a formative moment in New York City’s history. Our new administration has committed to bolder and more equitable housing solutions. With over 50 years of experience in preserving and creating community-controlled housing, UHAB’s expertise and strong network of partners will drive the conversation on social housing and cooperative ownership toward collective action.
REGISTRATION
If you are currently enrolled in an urban program at The New School, you may attend at no cost by providing your full name, program, and email, and by committing to attend, as seating is limited. This information will be reviewed prior to the conference and verified at the entrance upon presentation of your New School ID card.
Registration is required. If you have questions or are unable to attend after registering, please write to: housingjustice@newschool.edu.
If you are not a urban student at the New School, please register at uhab’s 2026 Social Conference site.
WHAT IS SOCIAL HOUSING?
Social housing is a model of housing ownership and management that prioritizes people over profit. Rather than being treated primarily as a commodity on the private market, social housing is shaped by public purpose, democratic control, and long-term affordability.
In practice, social housing can take many forms — from public housing and community land trusts to limited-equity cooperatives — but what unites them is a commitment to stable, community-centered, non-speculative housing that supports equity, security, and resident self-determination.
CONFERENCE AGENDA
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast & Registration. Starr Foundation Hall, New School University Center, 63 Fifth Avenue.
MORNING SESSIONS
9:00AM – 10:00 AM
Opening Ceremony. Tishman Auditorium, New School University Center, 63 Fifth Avenue
10:15 AM – 1:30 PM
Panel 1 and 2
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Lunch & Networking. Faculty Lounge, New School University Center, 63, Fifth Avenue.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
2:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Panel 3 and 4.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Keynote. Kaplan Auditorium, 66 12th Street.
VIP COCKTAIL RECEPTION
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Private Event for VIPs. Starr Foundation Hall, New School University Center, 63 Fifth Avenue.
This conference has been organized by the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board in partnership with Parsons School of Design and Parsons Housing Justice Lab.
