The City of Arlington will host a Fair Housing Symposium on April 27 at the Arlington Board of REALTORS part of National Fair Housing Month.

The City invites residents, lenders, real estate companies, landlords, apartment managers, non-profit housing agencies, title companies, appraisers, state and federal agencies, interest groups, apartment associations and other stake holders to participate in this event, which will feature top experts in the field of Fair Housing. The symposium is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arlington Board of REALTORS, 3916 Interstate 20 West.

"The symposium will provide information on fair housing as well as raise awareness about how to inquire and file fair housing complaints with the City." Fair Housing Officer Amy Powell said. "Community involvement and engagement are critical to the success of affirmatively furthering fair housing."

The Fair Housing Symposium will consist of two parts. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., a Fair Housing TREC, Texas Real Estate Commission course, Keeping Compliant with Fair Housing, will be provided for FREE for those looking to receive continuing education credits.

In addition, a panel of experts will inform the public on strategies for promoting fair housing choice and fostering inclusive communities from 11:30 a.m. to 1 pm. Boxed lunches will be provided for those who register online in advance of the event.

Garry L. Sweeney, Regional Director, HUD Fort Worth Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Center, will be the key note speaker. Guest speakers include Angela Rush, City of Fort Worth Human Relations Unit; Frances Espinoza, ED, North Texas Fair Housing Center; Stacy Bowers, VP Community Development Lending, BBVA Compass; and Brent Schellhammer, Supervising Attorney of Housing, Legal Aid of North West Texas.

This event supports the City Council priority Champion Great Neighborhoods by educating the community on fair housing, addressing disparities in housing, and encouraging expanded housing opportunities.

If interested in attending the event, non-members can register online. ARBOR members can register by sending an email to [email protected].