2026 Annual Conference

Nov 18, 2025

WI-CARH’s 27th Annual Conference

Navigating Affordable Housing

November 4, 2026

Join your housing colleagues for the 27th Annual WI-CARH Conference on Wednesday, November 4, at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Management of affordable housing is not easy. Property issues, AI, budgets, energy costs, and compliance concerns affect everyone in affordable housing. You will have a chance to network with your peers. A variety of exhibitors will offer services and products to support your housing operations.

The conference will address the timely issues and topics that matter to you. Highlights will include:

Overview of USDA RD Housing Programs for Wisconsin
AI in Affordable Housing: Smart Tool or Compliance Risk?
View from Washington DC
21st Century Road to Housing Legislation
Lease and Legal Updates for Wisconsin
WHEDA Housing Resources
Preservation vs. Prepayment: Why Not Both?
Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices Using AI by Property Managers
High Energy Costs and Solar Opportunities
WI-CARH Awards for Site Manager, Property and Maintenance Excellence

We are excited to have Andrew C. Iverson, State Director for Rural Development in Wisconsin, join us and kick off the conference. Mr. Iverson will provide an overview of USDA RD Housing programs for Wisconsin.

Gary Kirkman from US Housing Consultants returns to Wisconsin to be our keynote speaker on AI in Affordable Housing: Smart Tool or Compliance Risk? Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, but should we trust it with affordable housing compliance? Join Gary for a thought-provoking keynote exploring the opportunities AI may bring to monitoring, eligibility, and decision-making, along with the risks that come with relying on rapidly evolving technology. AI may be powerful, but in affordable housing, getting it wrong can have real consequences.

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.