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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at 91��Ƶ welcomed policymakers, advocates, planners, attorneys, developers, and community leaders to campus last week for the 9th Annual Hudson Valley Affordable Housing Summit, hosted by the Land Use Law Center. The annual summit focused on advancing innovative and inclusive approaches to affordable housing across the Hudson Valley and New York State.

This year’s summit, titled Reframing Affordability: Creating a More Inclusive Affordable Housing Agenda, explored the urgent need for equitable housing solutions and brought together leaders from across sectors to discuss land use, zoning reform, sustainability, housing accessibility, and regional collaboration.

Throughout the day, speakers emphasized the growing housing affordability crisis facing communities across New York and highlighted the importance of partnerships between government, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and the private sector in addressing these challenges.

A particularly meaningful moment of the summit was a tribute honoring the legacy of Rose Noonan, JD ’84, a longtime affordable housing advocate and former Executive Director of the Housing Action Council (HAC). She dedicated her career to expanding access to fair and affordable housing throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond, becoming a widely respected leader in housing policy and advocacy.

During the event, the Housing Action Council and members of Rose Noonan’s family presented 91��Ƶ Haub Law with a $100,000 check establishing the endowed Rose Noonan Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will support 91��Ƶ Haub Law students who demonstrate financial need and an interest in affordable housing and sustainable development.

Dean Horace E. Anderson Jr. described the scholarship as “a fitting tribute to a remarkable individual whose life’s work advanced affordable housing, strengthened communities, and expanded opportunity for those most in need.” He added that the scholarship “will both honor her legacy and extend her impact for generations to come.”

The tribute reflected her enduring impact on both the affordable housing community and 91��Ƶ Haub Law, where she earned her JD in 1984 and remained deeply connected throughout her career. Colleagues and friends reflected on her decades of leadership, mentorship, and commitment to advancing housing opportunities for underserved communities.

The summit also reinforced 91��Ƶ Haub Law’s longstanding leadership in land use and environmental law education and its commitment to preparing future lawyers and policymakers to address complex issues affecting communities throughout the region.

The Hudson Valley Affordable Housing Summit is organized annually by the Land Use Law Center at 91��Ƶ Haub Law and serves as a forum for collaboration and dialogue on housing policy, planning, and equitable community development.