"We hope to make housing police one of the top issues this administration focuses on," says MBAA spokesman Dave Warner, who points to a lack of affordable housing in many cities. "The critical need for affordable housing doesn't just impact low-income people, but working people as well. There is a big need and people need to know about it so we can elevate it on the list of priorities."

MBAA president Andrew Woodward says the group was pleased to have the participation of federal officials. "The National Housing Summit presents a unique opportunity for dialogue on housing development and finance," he says.

Lindsey will open the summit with one of his first major policy speeches since being appointed to the Bush administration, addressing federal housing programs in the new millennium. Following the opening session, Nicolas P. Retsinas, director of Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies and former FHA commissioner, will host a housing policy roundtable, with panelists including Ali Dellibovi of Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Steve Coyle of AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust, Sheila Crowley of the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, and Mike Petrie of P/R Mortgage and Investment Corporation, who will discuss the state of the nation's housing policy and examine future trends. Martinez will cap off the summit with a speech addressing housing issues.