On Friday afternoon, Binghamton University hosted the Housing, Community and Faith-Based Development Roundtable in the Old Union to discuss affordable housing and community development in the Southern Tier.

The Binghamton conference was the third of its kind, following ones in Rochester last December and Utica last October, and was held by the New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal. State agencies, faith-based groups, nonprofit organizations and community leaders attended the roundtable to strategize and exchange ideas on making both federal and local government more accessible in improving housing and communities.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo also announced at the event the funding of $17 million to create over 700 affordable homes across the state, with $1 million specifically allotted to repairing 46 homes in the Southern Tier.

“Great things are taking place in Binghamton and throughout our region, and this is just the beginning,” Mayor of Binghamton Rich David said in a press release.

The event consisted of eight breakout sessions throughout the morning and afternoon that discussed strategies for development, such as “Best Practices in Housing Development,” “Increasing Homeownership in the Southern Tier” and “Applying for State Funding for Affordable Single Family Housing Opportunities.”

Chris Leo, vice president of the Office of Community Renewal, moderated “Successful Community Revitalization,” which discussed opportunities available for homeowners, entrepreneurs and community members to apply for state resources to fund local community or housing projects.

“[We fund] projects that are usually for low- or moderate-income individuals to make improvements to their homes, and we also have certain economic development programs where we can give money to businesses to create jobs,” Leo said. “It’s just about investing in communities and rebuilding what made New York great.”

Robert Murphy, director of economic development for the city of Binghamton, attended Leo’s breakout session and said that the city of Binghamton is already utilizing state grants for projects. Some of these include the creation of new bike racks last year and the building of local restaurant Social on State in June 2014, and Murphy said he hopes to further take advantage of resources available.

“You learn more, and get to compare notes with people who are doing similar projects to get some creative ideas,” Murphy said. “I’d like to see us taking advantage of some of these programs to make Binghamton a little more interesting … over the horizon, we can make the city a more fun place for students and residents.”

Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal James S. Rubin said he was optimistic after touring the city of Binghamton and attending the conference, because local organizations now have a better understanding in how to utilize state money.

“The $17 million in housing awards improves homes and communities, builds on the momentum and the significant resources the Governor has already committed to the Southern Tier,” Rubin said in a press release. “If there were ever a time to be hopeful and optimistic about the future, that time is now.”