More than 100 visionary leaders from cities around the country gathered recently in South Florida for the Tomorrow City USA Conference at the West Palm Beach County Convention Center. The conference brought leaders together to share ideas, collaborate and listen to each other. The event highlighted the groundbreaking and innovative work these professionals are doing in their respective communities.  Attendees gained valuable insight from CEOs, CTOs, VCs, government officials and philanthropists.

Alfonso Costa Jr., Chief Operating Officer of Falcone Group, moderated the fireside chat, “Pursuing the American Dream” that featured Scott Turner, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This informative discussion included a timely conversation on housing in America, policy shifts that make housing more attainable, innovation that is unlocking new pathways to increase supply and expand access.

In addition to Secretary Turner, other conference delegates included Miami Dolphins owner and philanthropist Stephen M. Ross; Assistant Secretary of Labor Henry Mack; Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens; West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James, Palm Beach County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo and recording artist Rohan Marley.

Widely recognized as a thought leader in affordable housing and community development, Costa Jr. is frequently asked to present at real estate industry conferences. Prior to joining Falcone Group, he served in the Federal Government as Deputy Chief of Staff & Opportunity Zones lead for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In this public service role, he was responsible for overseeing policy for the $80 billion annually budgeted Cabinet agency, which maintains a wide range of housing & community development programs and more than 5,000 employees nationwide.

As a leader of the bi-partisan Opportunity Zones program, Costa Jr. held the title of Chairman’s delegate and HUD’s lead representative on the Federal Government’s inter-agency Opportunity and Revitalization Council. His incredible work in this area earned him recognition in the Opportunity Zone Magazine’s “Top 25 OZ Influencers” list for 2020 and 2021.

Additionally, Costa Jr. chairs the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Southeast Florida/Caribbean District’s Housing Affordability Committee and is the recent Chair and current Program Chair of the ULI Florida Affordable Workforce Housing Council (AWHC).