#United States #Salt Lake City #housing affordability #Spencer Cox #Ivory Innovations

Spencer Cox to Speak at the 2025 Ivory Prize Summit

On October 29, 2025, over 300 experts from the housing industry, government, and academia will gather at the University of Utah's Robert H. and Katharine B. Garff Building for the annual Ivory Prize Summit. This year’s summit will honor the winners of the Ivory Prize, recognized for their innovative solutions to America's housing affordability crisis. The event will feature Utah Governor Spencer Cox as the keynote speaker, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling housing issues both locally and nationally.

Ivory Innovations, a nonprofit academic center affiliated with the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah, will host the event. Governor Cox’s active role in addressing housing affordability, exemplified by his leadership in the National Housing Crisis Task Force, highlights his commitment to finding sustainable solutions for housing challenges faced by many American families.

Governor Cox noted, "Affordable housing is a pressing issue for families in Utah and across the nation. Only 9% of residents can afford the median-priced home in Utah, which emphasizes our moral obligation to help the next generation find stable housing. By refining incentives and removing barriers, we can increase the availability of attainable homes. The work of the Ivory Prize winners showcases practical solutions that can make homeownership a reality for more families."

Key Features of the Summit

The Ivory Prize Summit offers a platform for thought leaders from the housing sector to share ideas and innovations with panel discussions and presentations. This year’s agenda includes:

• - Improving Construction and Design: Exploring new technologies and methodologies that make housing construction more cost-effective and efficient.
• - Expanding Accessibility Through Better Policy: Examining reforms and innovative zoning practices to facilitate affordable housing development.
• - Enhancing Financing Options: Discussing creative funding ideas that can help more Americans access homeownership.

In addition to Governor Cox, the summit will feature presentations from other prominent figures in government, real estate professionals, and technology experts, all sharing best practices and developing actionable strategies for the future of housing in America.

Hack-A-House Competition

One of the most exciting elements of the event will be the live finale of the 2025 Hack-A-House competition. This virtual hackathon, designed for college students, challenges participants to propose solutions to housing affordability issues in a competitive format. The winning teams will present their innovative ideas at the summit, and attendees will vote for the grand prize winner who will receive a $5,000 award.

Pre-Summit Roundtable

Before the main events begin, Ivory Innovations will facilitate a closed-door roundtable with over 60 leaders from various sectors, including federal and local governments as well as industry experts. This gathering aimed at developing practical implementation strategies is a crucial prelude to the opening of the summit.

Virtual Attendance

For those unable to attend in person, arrangements have been made for the entire summit to be live streamed, making it accessible to a broader audience interested in addressing housing affordability.

Registration Information

Individuals wishing to register for the 2025 Ivory Prize Summit, either in person or virtually, can find more information and sign up at ivoryinnovations.org/event-details/2025-ivory-prize-summit.

Ivory Innovations continues to serve as a vital hub that supports transformational ideas and partnerships aimed at alleviating the housing crisis. By fostering dialogue and collaboration amongst experts, the summit represents a proactive step towards innovative solutions that benefit communities throughout the nation.