BOISE - Housing experts and advocates will gather at the 2000 Idaho Governor’s Conference on Housing, September 11-13 to discuss Idaho’s affordable housing strategy at the beginning of a new century, conference planning partners announced today. The Idaho Housing and Finance Association and 27 planning partners are working together to create this dynamic three-day conference to be held at the Boise Centre on the Grove.

This year’s theme, "Building a Foundation for Success," is based on the concept that housing is the foundation of America’s success. Twenty comprehensive workshops will provide a forum for dialogue and collaboration on the state’s most pressing affordable housing issues. The goal is to promote housing as the basis for healthy, successful communities.

"Home ownership is the cornerstone of a stable community," Governor Dirk Kempthorne said. "I am pleased to see builders, bankers, developers and other professionals working together to boost housing awareness in Idaho. This conference is an opportunity for the housing community to come together to ensure we meet the shelter needs of every Idaho family."

Highlights of the conference include several visionary and thought-provoking national keynote speakers:

• Mark Shields, nationally syndicated columnist and principal political analyst for "The News Hour" with Jim Lehrer, will open the conference on Tuesday morning (September 12). Shields has managed political campaigns in 38 states and has mastered the art of storytelling.

• Michael Pyatok, the country’s most prolific architect and developer of affordable housing, will speak at Tuesday’s luncheon (September 12).

• Peter Dreier, a leading housing policy analyst, will be Wednesday morning’s (September 13) keynote speaker.

• Scott Morgan, host of the National Association of Home Builders’ HGTV series "Dream Builders," closes the conference at Wednesday’s lunch (September 13) with an entertaining video presentation.

Conference interest tracks include: Banking/Lending, Builders/Developers, Government, Nonprofit, and Real Estate Ownership and Sales. The three-day event will bring together nearly 500 people, including representatives from local and federal government, the housing and finance industries, and the nonprofit sector. In addition, experts in real estate, mortgage banking, design and construction will present practical information on new technology and programs.

Although many conference planning partners share an interest in affordable housing, the conference scope includes all aspects of housing. From design and construction, local zoning ordinances, fair housing law and property management to home buyer education and mortgage programs, the conference should interest any individual connected with housing.

Registration materials are now available. Those wishing to participate can download a registration form from the housing conference Web site at www.2000govconf.org, or call the Idaho Housing and Finance Association at 208-331-4884 to request a registration packet. The conference registration fee is $100 for nonprofit attendees and $150 for other businesses and organizations. Conference scholarships will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Exhibit space is also available for businesses or groups interested in sharing product and service information with conference participants. Tradeshow registration forms are also available at www.2000govconf.org in late June, or by calling 208-331-4884.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Reporters are invited and encouraged to attend any of the keynote addresses or workshops. Complimentary passes are available. To receive your media pass or for more information, contact Julie Robinson at 208-331-4884, or conferenceinfo@ihfa.org.