We are thrilled to announce Jamie Madden, author of Bittersweet Lane: Creating Home(s) in the American Affordable Housing Crisis, as the first keynote speaker for the 2026 Connecticut Affordable Housing Conference (CAHC).

Jamie brings a rare combination of lived experience and professional expertise to the national conversation on affordable housing. Having grown up in affordable housing himself, he has dedicated his career to expanding housing opportunities through roles in development, federal grant management, philanthropy, and policy leadership. Today, he continues that work as an author and advocate, helping audiences better understand the systems, challenges, and possibilities that shape housing in America.

In Bittersweet Lane, Jamie weaves together personal stories with decades of firsthand experience in the affordable housing field, offering an honest and compelling look at what it means to create—and preserve—places people can truly call home. His work makes complex housing policy and development accessible to broad audiences while highlighting the human impact behind every housing decision.

At CAHC 2026, Jamie will share insights drawn from his personal journey and distinguished career, exploring how communities can build more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable housing solutions. His keynote promises to inspire meaningful conversation and equip attendees with new perspectives on addressing today’s housing challenges.