Harrisburg, PA —The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is proud to announce the 2026 Fair Housing Equality Conference: Liberty, Justice, and Housing for All: Advancing Fair Housing in Pennsylvania’s 250th Year. This one-day, statewide event will take place on April 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City, 237 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
The conference will convene key housing stakeholders from across the Commonwealth, including community leaders, housing professionals, social service providers, advocates, and fair housing partners, for a collaborative exploration of the most pressing issues shaping housing opportunity in 2026. Through a series of dynamic sessions, workshops, and discussions participants will examine appraisal bias, landlord rights and responsibilities, rental screenings, building inclusive pathways to homeownership, artificial intelligence in housing equity, and a look at significant fair housing justice events in American history.
“Everyone has the right to fair and safe housing options,” said Brittany Mellinger, PHRC Director of Fair Housing and Commercial Property. “This is a critical moment for Pennsylvania, and we need to take meaningful actions to ensure our fair housing rights actually provide access and opportunity to housing for residents across our Commonwealth. We are looking forward to grounded conversations, challenging ideas, and emerging partnerships at this conference."
This year’s conference is underscored by the historic milestone of America’s 250th anniversary, a moment that invites reflection on the nation’s founding values and the ongoing work needed to ensure liberty and justice are meaningfully extended across all communities.
“Philadelphia’s housing landscape reflects both the challenges and the possibilities facing communities across Pennsylvania,” said Amber Harris, PHRC Philadelphia Regional Office Director. “This conference is an opportunity for stakeholders to come together, share strategies, and advance solutions that move us closer to true housing equality.”
A major highlight of the event will be a keynote address delivered jointly by Lynette M. Brown-Sow and Kelvin Jeremiah, with the Philadelphia Housing Authority, who will speak to the intersection of leadership, equity, and the future of housing in Pennsylvania.
PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW, emphasized the agency’s continued commitment to civil rights and equitable communities.
“As we mark America’s 250th year, we are reminded that housing is more than shelter. Housing is dignity, stability, and the foundation upon which families and communities thrive,” Lassiter said. “This conference underscores our ongoing work to eradicate discrimination, foster inclusive neighborhoods, and ensure every Pennsylvanian can live free from bias in their housing journey.”
Learn more about the conference and register today.
About the PHRC:
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all people. The PHRC investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Anyone who has experienced discrimination is urged to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.