Affordable housing has become a crisis in our county and nationwide. Government policies, market forces, and changing demographics have combined to keep affordable housing out of reach for many of our fellow citizens.

In this enlightening, three-part series, experts and community representatives will explore the history of affordable housing and how government policies affected residents of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County—especially people of color (November 21); the challenges to be overcome (January 16); and proposed solutions for a brighter future (January 30).

SESSION 1
NOVEMBER 21
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND RACE
• Screening of the documentary Owned: A Tale of Two Americas.
This film examines the dark history of the U.S. housing economy and exposes a foundational story that few Americans understand as their own.
• JCarl Snowden, former civil rights director for the Office of the Maryland Attorney General, will lead a discussion on how federal housing policies in the post-World War II era impacted Annapolis and Anne Arundel County and why we continue to face affordable housing issues today.

SESSION 2
JANUARY 16
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: UNDERLYING ISSUES
Lawrence Lanahan, a Baltimore journalist who has done in-depth, award-winning reporting on racism and housing issues for NPR, will discuss the impact of NIMBY (not in my backyard) attitudes and the challenges that community activists and politicians must address to implement affordable housing solutions.
Community representatives will provide testimonials on
• The lack of affordable housing in our area
• Illegal activity such as landlords refusing vouchers or requiring forms for creditworthiness

SESSION 3
JANUARY 30
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: NEXT STEPS
Speakers will outline promising steps for making home ownership a reality and affordable housing available for all citizens in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County—including pending city and state legislation and public-private partnerships.
Speakers to be announced.