Turning the Key to Homeownership
A Community Conversation on Affordable Housing
Homeownership is the cornerstone of strong families and thriving communities — but for many in Dane County, it’s slipping out of reach.
Join Habitat for Humanity of Dane County for Turning the Key to Homeownership, a dynamic, solutions-focused event uniting business and government leaders, nonprofit partners and community champions working to expand access to affordable housing.
Attend in person or via live webinar. In-person guests will have opportunities to connect and collaborate before and after the panel. This is more than a discussion. It’s a call to action.
Why Attend?
- Learn what’s standing in the way of homeownership in Dane County
- Hear real-world solutions from local leaders
- Discover how cross-sector collaboration can drive change
- Connect with others who care about equity and community stability
If you believe everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, this conversation is for you.
Missed last year’s event? Watch the recording or check out photos from last year!
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Cost: Free to attend; registration required
Program Schedule
- 8:00 a.m. – Doors open • Breakfast served • Networking
- 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. – Panel Discussion: A dynamic, moderated conversation with community leaders shaping the future of homeownership in Dane County.
- 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. – Optional breakout session. Choose Inside Habitat’s Housing Strategy, Building Industry Update, or Municipal Obstacles to Housing. Registration link in confirmation email. Space is limited.
- 11:15 a.m. – Optional lunch on your own at the award-winning TruStage Market Cafeteria.
Can’t attend in person? We’ve got you covered. A live webinar option will be available for the panel discussion from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m., allowing you to participate from anywhere.
Meet the panel of leaders who are shaping housing access from multiple angles:
- Jim Malewitz (Moderator), Managing Editor of Wisconsin Watch, brings a statewide perspective on housing, policy, and public affairs, informed by years of nonprofit journalism.
- Becky Binz, Housing & Equitable Development Planner for the City of Sun Prairie, is leading innovative housing initiatives funded by the City’s $6.3 million Affordable Housing Fund — launching programs that support families, seniors, homeowners, and affordable housing development.
- Tiffany Malone, Realtor with Alvarado Real Estate Group & Co-Founder of Own It: Building Black Wealth, works at the intersection of real estate and community advocacy. She co-founded Own It to expand Black homeownership and long-term wealth, focusing on resource sharing, financial access, and strengthening community relationships.
- Brian McMahon, Executive Director of Operation Fresh Start, bridges workforce development and affordable housing creating career pathways in construction and conservation while building stronger communities.
- Eric Willman, Production Manager at Veridian Homes, brings a background in the trades and fine woodworking to one of the nation’s rare three-time Gold National Housing Quality Award winners.
Registration for the webinar is open. Questions? Contact Megan Hicks at mhicks@habitatdane.org.
Thank you to our 2026 Turning the Key to Homeownership Sponsors!
Turning the Key to Homeownership is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. We are grateful for their commitment to strengthening our community and expanding access to affordable homeownership.
Event Host:
Framework Sponsors:
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Sponsorship opportunities are available and offer meaningful ways to align your organization with affordable housing solutions while engaging with community and business leaders. To learn more, please contact Melissa Pfahl, Institutional Giving Manager at mpfahl@habitatdane.org or 608.579.9711.
