BOSTON — Boston Real Estate Times has announced an expanded lineup of prominent industry leaders set to speak at its upcoming “Multifamily, Affordable Housing & MBTA Communities Act Roundtable,” taking place April 22 at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA.
The publication said that a diverse and highly experienced panel reflects the full spectrum of the real estate ecosystem—from development and finance to law and nonprofit housing leadership. The event comes at a pivotal time as stakeholders across Massachusetts respond to the evolving impact of the MBTA Communities Act, ongoing housing supply shortages, and increasing cost pressures.
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The panel will feature John B. Cruz III, President and CEO of Cruz Companies, one of the nation’s most established 100% Black-owned construction, development, and management enterprises. Founded in 1948, the family-run organization has delivered more than 3,500 affordable homes nationwide through its three divisions. Recent projects such as the Residences at Harvard Commons, the Michael E. Haynes Arms Apartments, and developments at Nubian Square highlight the firm’s continued commitment to expanding affordable housing, creating jobs, and supporting minority-owned businesses.
Also joining the panel is Ian Gillespie, Founder and CEO of Gillespie and Co., Inc.. With a track record spanning more than 1.5 million square feet of office development for technology and consumer goods companies, Gillespie brings deep experience in both commercial and residential real estate. His firm has also played a key role in designing and permitting large-scale residential communities, including a 350-unit project in Concord developed in partnership with Trammell Crow Company. His background in brokerage and consulting further informs his perspective on market trends and development feasibility.
From the legal sector, David A. Libardoni, Partner at Nutter, will provide critical insight into the regulatory and transactional frameworks shaping development today. Libardoni advises owners, developers, and investors across the full lifecycle of real estate projects, with experience spanning multifamily, mixed-use, life sciences, and industrial assets. Recognized by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, and The Lawdragon 500, he is known for helping clients navigate complex zoning, permitting, financing, and joint venture structures.
The nonprofit perspective will be represented by Michael J. Mattos, Executive Director of Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative, Inc. (AHSC). Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, AHSC has completed more than 47 real estate projects, resulting in the creation or preservation of over 3,300 affordable housing units across Massachusetts. The organization has built a reputation for partnership-driven development, working closely with public agencies, private developers, and financial institutions to deliver housing for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Rounding out the panel is Moddie Turay, President and CEO of Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC). A nationally recognized leader in community development finance, Turay oversees a portfolio exceeding $1.4 billion in assets and directs approximately $200 million in annual investments. His previous leadership roles include founding City Growth Partners in Detroit and serving as Executive Vice President at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, where he led more than $2 billion in development initiatives.
According to Boston Real Estate Times Publisher Upendra Mishra, the strength of this panel lies in its depth of experience and its ability to address both challenges and solutions.
“This is a critical moment for the housing industry in Massachusetts,” Mishra said in the earlier announcement. “We’ve assembled a group of leaders who not only understand the complexities of today’s market but are actively shaping solutions—from financing and policy to design and development.”
The April 22 roundtable will explore a wide range of pressing topics, including innovative approaches to tax credit financing, evolving models for mixed-income and fully affordable housing, and the real-world implications of the MBTA Communities Act on zoning and transit-oriented development. Panelists will also examine how rising construction and capital costs are impacting project feasibility and what strategies can help close the region’s persistent housing supply gap.
Held from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the event is part of Boston Real Estate Times’ monthly breakfast series, known for fostering candid, solutions-oriented discussions among senior professionals across the real estate industry.
With a powerhouse lineup of speakers and a focus on one of the region’s most urgent challenges, the April 22 roundtable is expected to draw strong interest from developers, investors, policymakers, and housing advocates alike.
