WICARH - Wisconsin Council for Affordable and Rural Housing

2026 Spring Training
2026-04-22 - 2026-04-23 | DoubleTree by Hilton, 4402 East Washington Ave., Madison, 53704
WI-CARH’s Spring Training
April 22-23, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East, Madison, WI
Day 1 – April 22, 2026
HOTMA Today
Join Gary Kirkman, Director of Compliance Training at US Housing Consultants, as he explores the current status of HOTMA implementation, under Rural Development USDA, highlights key changes introduced under the rule, and discusses what the industry still needs from HUD. During this session, Gary will walk through important updates related to household composition, income, assets, and adjusted income, incorporating interactive knowledge checks throughout to reinforce learning and deepen discussion.
**Please note that annual and interim recertifications under HOTMA will not be addressed during this training.**

Day 2 – April 23, 2026
Fair Housing Update – Where Are We Today?
Join Gary Kirkman, Director of Compliance Training at US Housing Consultants, for an engaging discussion on fair housing changes we have seen so far and why fair housing continues to matter for the residents we serve. Gary will discuss current expectations, common challenges, and practical ways to apply fair housing principles in our daily work, leaving attendees with a renewed commitment to creating inclusive communities for everyone.

Verifications – Telling the Story of Compliance
In the affordable housing industry, many professionals have heard the phrase the file has to tell a story, and there is a good chance you have heard Gary Kirkman, Director of Compliance Training for US Housing Consultants, say it more than once. Verifying household information is essential for program compliance, but documentation requirements can vary across housing programs. In this session, Gary will explain how programs such as LIHTC, HUD, RD, HOME, and the Housing Trust Fund differ when it comes to file documentation. Attendees will learn how to ensure that the story each file tells is accurate, complete, and based on fact rather than fiction.

Schedule
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
8:00-8:30 – Registration
8:30 – Noon – Session
Noon – 1:00 pm – Lunch will be provided
1:00 – 4:00 pm – Session

Thursday, April 23, 2026
8:00-1:00 pm – Session

Register to attend.

Hotel Information: Call the hotel directly at (608) 244-4703 or Hilton reservations at 800-445-8667, mentioning the Wisconsin Council for Affordable and Rural Housing or code CDT93B. Alternatively, you can book online at Wisconsin Council for Affordable and Rural Housing Reservation Booking Link.

Sponsor: You are invited to join us as a Sponsor at the 2026 Spring Training. Please consider signing up today to be a Sponsor and help make this education and training opportunity affordable to all in the rural housing industry. Please click on Register as a Sponsor to complete the form.

Thank you to the Spring Training Sponsors

Horizon Management Group, Inc.

Sid Grinker Restoration

Wisconsin Management Company

Simply Computer Software, Inc.

2027 Annual Conference
2026-11-04
WI-CARH’s 27th Annual Conference
Navigating Affordable Housing
November 4, 2026
Join your housing colleagues for the 27th Annual WI-CARH Conference, Navigating Affordable Housing, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
Dealing with property issues, budgets, and compliance issues is a concern for all in affordable housing. We will have a lineup of topics and speakers who will provide the most up-to-date information that can help you navigate the management and funding hurdles you face in affordable housing. You will have a chance to network with your peers. There will be a variety of exhibitors offering services and products to assist you with your housing operations.
We are excited to have Gary Kirkman from US Housing Consultants return to Wisconsin to be our keynote speaker. In addition to Gary Kirkman, our conference committee is lining up topics with speakers that will be of great benefit to your organization.
A detailed agenda will be available soon. Make plans now to attend.
Register Now to Attend
Keynote Speaker:
Gary Kirkman
VP of Compliance Training
US Housing Consultants
Cost:

$250/200 (3 or more) for Members
$400/350 (3 or more) for Non-members

When: November 4, 2026
Where: Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
About Gary Kirkman
Gary Kirkman has over 20 years of leadership experience in the affordable housing industry and currently serves as the VP of Compliance Training at US Housing Consultants.
Gary began his career as a Regional Property Manager, overseeing Rural Development and HUD properties. His passion for supporting communities and mentoring others led to his promotion to Training Specialist, where he managed multiple affordable housing communities while providing hands-on training to staff on program requirements.
He later advanced to the role of Training Director, where he played a key role in developing company policies and procedures and leading the organization’s training initiatives. During this time, Gary also partnered with property owners and developers to present at town council meetings, advocating for the development of affordable housing in areas where it was most needed.
Earlier in his career, Gary was recognized as an award-winning Community Manager, receiving the Best Overall Compliance in Affordable Housing award for the Southeast Region within a property management company portfolio.
Known for his engaging and relatable style, Gary is a seasoned public speaker who regularly conducts both public and private trainings. He is a frequent presenter at industry conferences, where he provides expert guidance on all major affordable housing programs.
Gary is highly respected by colleagues and industry professionals alike, with many praising his deep knowledge, approachable demeanor, and dedication to helping others succeed. Colleagues have stated, “He has the ability to learn complex compliance requirements and teach them in a manner that others can learn” and “Because of his positive disposition, his reflective way of operating, and all of the character traits that make him so special, Gary’s questions never go unanswered, and his searches always bring him to exciting new discoveries.”
Gary’s areas of expertise focus on the following programs:

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program
HUD Multifamily Housing Programs
USDA RD Rental Housing Program
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
Fair Housing and Accessibility
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Project and Asset Management
Customer Service & Marketing

Who should attend: This conference will be relevant to property managers, owners, developers, housing authorities, decision-makers, and anyone involved in affordable and rural housing.

Location and Hotel Information: The 27th Annual WI-CARH Conference will be held at the Wilderness Resort – Glacier Canyon Lodge, 45 Hillman Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965. A block of rooms is available at a discounted rate of $109 per night. Please call them at 1-800-867-9453 by Sunday, October 4, 2026, and tell them you are with the Leader #A93685.

Payment: Payment to attend the conference can be made via PayPal or by check. Please make your check payable to: WI-CARH, P.O. Box 258098, Madison, WI 53725. Sorry, credit card payments are not available.

Be a Sponsor and/or Exhibitor: You are invited to join us as a Sponsor and/or Exhibitor at the 27th Annual Conference. Please consider signing up today to help make this education and training opportunity affordable to all in the rural housing industry. You can click here for more information and to sign up, please complete this form.

Register as a Sponsor and/or Exhibitor
Thank You to the Sponsors and Exhibitors
Breakfast Sponsor

FHLBank Chicago

Lunch Sponsor

Wisconsin Management Company

Gold Sponsor

Cavanaugh & Company

Silver Sponsor

Simply Computer Software, Inc.

Exhibitors

FHLBank Chicago

Simply Computer Software, Inc.

Wisconsin Management Company

Cavanaugh & Company
