BOISE, ID – March 22, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Fair housing can be complex for housing professionals, service providers, and local communities. The Idaho Fair Housing Forum, in partnership with the Idaho Affordable Housing Management Association, will host a conference focusing on rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. “Fair Housing 2010 – More than a Black and White Issue,” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 19 at the Doubletree Hotel Boise Riverside. Registration is required and begins at 8 a.m. A $10 registration fee includes lunch and conference materials. Online registration is available at www.idahoahma.org.
The featured presenter at the conference is prominent civil rights attorney Michael Allen. Formerly with the Bazelon Center, Allen serves as counsel with Rehlman and Dane, LLC in Washington, D.C. A nationally recognized expert on civil and disability rights law, he was instrumental in the recent $62.5 million settlement against Westchester County, N.Y. Allen will present an overview of the Westchester case and its impact on recipients of federal funds, as well as a separate session on reasonable accommodation and reasonable modification.
The conference begins with motivational speaker Andy Fujimoto, a welcome by Boise Mayor Dave Bieter, and an overview of trends and case law affecting Idaho. A lunchtime panel discussion features legal experts Wendy Olson, Assistant U.S. Attorney for Idaho; Judge Candy W. Dale of the U.S. District Court; Dave Penny, a local civil rights defense attorney; and Ken Nagy, an attorney representing the Intermountain Fair Housing Council. Afternoon sessions will feature Jo Bennet from the Fair Housing Council of Oregon with a discussion comparing education and enforcement strategies in Oregon and Idaho.
Other sessions will focus on:
• Fair Housing Basics
• Reasonable Accommodation and Modification
• Westchester County Case Discussion
• Affirmative Marketing and Limited English Proficiency
• Support Animals
• 2010 Idaho Analysis of Impediments
This conference is organized by members of the Idaho Fair Housing Forum to recognize Fair Housing Month and increase awareness of the rights and responsibilities that ensure equal access to housing for all Americans. Information on the Forum and this event is available online at www.fairhousingforum.org. Fair Housing Month celebrates the enactment of the Fair Housing Act on April 11, 1968. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, disability, or familial status.
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The Idaho Fair Housing Forum is open to all housing and community stakeholders. It is not an advocacy organization, but rather seeks to offer solution-oriented conversation and cooperation among fair housing and consumer advocates, housing industry professionals, government, and nonprofit service providers.
Lisa Davis lisad (at) ihfa (dot) org
IHFA Public & Media Relations Officer
208-331-4858
Steve Rector stever (at) ihfa (dot) org
Public Affairs Director
208-331-4725
