Conference Attendees Say Housing is Linked to Recovery in Northeast

Last Thursday's conference titled _Through the Lens of Housing: New England Economic Recovery_ hosted by the ""Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston"":http://www.fhlbboston.com/ yielded some interesting answers from polled attendees.

[IMAGE]

The attendees were asked questions to determine what they felt would help lead to an economic recovery in the New England area. Many attendees said they believe creating a mixture of owner-occupied and rental housing will help boost the economy in the area. A majority polled also believe that the soundness of the financial institutions in New England contributes to its economic strength.

There were more than 170 people in attendance, ranging from banking and housing finance experts to housing advocates and economists. Karl Case, co-creator of the Case Shiller Indexes delivered the keynote address and the conference featured other speakers such as Richard Walega, regional northeast director of HUD.

[COLUMN_BREAK]

""The Federal Home Loan Bank held this conference to bring together some of the best experts on housing and economic development to explore the key issues affecting New England and its potential for future economic development,"" said Edward A. Hjerpe III, president and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.

He continued, ""It was particularly important that we heard from our attendees who are on the front lines of creating and providing housing throughout New England.""

The conference featured an interactive polling session that asked key questions of the attendees.

Some of the results found from the survey:

* Attendees were split on whether or not New England was stronger and more competitive than other regions.

* 93 percent found that an educated workforce contributed to New England's competitive strengths as a region.

* 84 percent found that the cost of living was a major challenge to economic development.

* 71 percent found that the aging housing stock was a major challenge for economic development.

* 88 percent believe that creating more quality rental housing would boost the economy.

* 92 percent of the attendees believe the 30-year-mortgage should still exist.