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Keynote Speaker

Dr. Gregg Colburn

Professor Runstad Department of Real Estate at the University of Washington

Gregg Colburn is the Marsha and Jay Glazer Endowed University Professor and Associate Professor in the Runstad Department of Real Estate in the College of Built Environments at the University of Washington. He publishes research on topics related to housing and homelessness and is co-author of the book, Homelessness is a Housing Problem: How Structural Factors Explain U.S. Patterns. Gregg is also co-author of the recently released book, Affordable Housing in the United States. His research has been featured in leading media outlets, including The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Economist, Bloomberg, and National Public Radio. Gregg holds an M.B.A. from Northwestern University, and a M.S.W. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Prior to academia, he worked as an investment banker and private equity professional. At the University of Washington, Gregg teaches classes in housing, urban economics, and finance. Gregg serves as co-chair of the University of Washington’s Homelessness Research Initiative and is a member of the National Alliance to End Homelessness Research Council. Gregg holds a B.A. from Albion College, an M.B.A. from Northwestern University, and a M.S.W. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Prior to academia, he worked as an investment banker and private equity professional. At the University of Washington, Gregg teaches classes in housing, urban economics, and finance. Gregg serves as co-chair of the University of Washington’s Homelessness Research Initiative and is a member of the National Alliance to End Homelessness Research Council.

Speaking at

Thu 13 Nov 1:30 PM — 2:00 PM (GMT-06:00) Central Time Fayetteville Town Center, Lobby

Gregg Colburn Book Signing (Plus Break)

Thu 13 Nov 12:30 PM — 1:30 PM (GMT-06:00) Central Time Fayetteville Town Center, Ozark Ballroom 1

Homelessness Is a Housing Problem: What Rapidly Growing Northwest Arkansas Must Do Now

Dr. Gregg Colburn, author of Homelessness Is a Housing Problem, will bring a research-driven perspective on the structural forces shaping affordability, stability, and opportunity in fast-growing regions. Fayetteville illustrates these dynamics vividly, with 4,000 new residents arriving each year, University of Arkansas enrollment surging toward 36,000, and more than a third of households already cost burdened. Despite rapid construction, the city fell 1,480 units short of demand between 2019 and 2022, underscoring the urgent need for strategies that match housing production to population growth.


This keynote is a call to action for community leaders, policymakers, and developers who want to ensure growth is both sustainable and inclusive. Attendees will gain clear insight into how local housing markets drive broader social outcomes, along with examples of policy and planning tools that can close the gap between demand and supply. By connecting Fayetteville’s current challenges to proven approaches from across the country, Dr. Colburn will chart a path forward that makes housing a foundation for equity, resilience, and prosperity.

 

Unable to attend the full Place Summit? You can still experience the keynote session for only $25. Register here.

Three days of innovation, insights, and meaningful connections.


Fayetteville, AR

November 12-14, 2025

Join us in Fayetteville, Arkansas on November 12-14, 2025