Lillian Wald Symposium: From Affordable Housing to Bike Lanes: How Can Big Change Happen in NYC?
April 15, 2026
6–8pm
he Lillian Wald Symposium—named for Henry Street’s founder—is an annual gathering that fosters discussion of the most pressing issues of our time. Amid energetic debate over how to make New York City more affordable, inclusive, and livable, this year’s symposium will address the opportunities and challenges (economic, political, and cultural) inherent in making transformative change in our nation’s largest city. Panelists will address the legacies of past city governments, how financial and infrastructural decisions are made, and how housing, childcare, transportation, and the arts can serve everyone.
Apr 15 April 15
Symposium Panelists
- Chris Marte, New York City Council Member, District 1
- Barika Williams, Director of the Association of Neighborhood and Housing Development
- Mason Williams, Chair of Leadership Studies, Associate Professor of Leadership Studies and Political Science, Faculty Affiliate in History, Williams College
- Anne Williams-Isom, former Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services in the Adams administration
- Norah Yayah, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Moderator: Jessica Yager, senior director, Housing Justice Initiatives, Center for Justice Innovation