HousingWireHousingWire
In conjunction with efforts to celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence next year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Monday announced that its Innovative Housing Showcase event and expo will be returning to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., later this year.
The showcase was originally held in June 2019 during the first Trump administration, but was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned in 2022 and has been held annually since then, with last year’s event taking place from June 7-9.
This year, the showcase is tied to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. and an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on plans for a “grand celebration” of the milestone. HUD’s showcase event, scheduled from May 30 to June 1, coincides with the start of the 250th anniversary celebration around Memorial Day (May 26) that will run through the actual anniversary on July 4, 2026.
“The annual public event raises awareness of innovative and affordable housing designs and technologies that have the potential to increase housing supply, reduce barriers to construction, and build for stability while reducing housing expenses for owners and renters,” HUD’s announcement explained. “Interactive exhibits will include full-sized prototype homes and innovative building technologies.”
HUD Secretary Scott Turner added that the event will look back at the history of housing in America while also looking forward to new developments and plans.
“I am thrilled to welcome back the Innovative Housing Showcase to the National Mall as we commemorate 250 years of American independence,” Turner said. “During this special celebration we will remember through the decades, the American Dream of homeownership ties generations together and is a core part of our nation’s excellence.”
Turner added that tying the event into the broader celebration of U.S. independence will allow the showcase to “highlight housing solutions that honor our past while building a strong, bright future for American homeownership,” he said. “I look forward to seeing the talented exhibitors in Washington and presenting what I know will be a remarkable showcase to the American people.”
The 2023 event attracted 50 exhibitors from multiple industries, according to a HUD official who spoke with HousingWire ahead of the 2024 event. HUD also encourages lawmakers to attend, giving attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to interact with the people who are shaping U.S. housing policy.
