The conference is part of the annual meeting of Eurhonet, a network of European public and social housing providers. It comprises 36 members from seven countries: Germany, Austria, Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. Collectively, they manage public and social housing for 1.8 million tenants.
Today's session will feature professionals from various entities presenting their experiences and practical cases. The aim is to explore key issues impacting the public and social housing sector. Viviendas Municipales de Bilbao will provide context on the local situation, outlining current policies, actions, and future needs and challenges, such as expanding the public housing stock and continuing rehabilitation projects.
Topics to be discussed include rent price setting, social impact and equity in public housing allocation, innovative housing solutions, and new social accommodation models like "co-living." A debate panel will also be held for participants to reflect on the presented topics and best practices.
Finally, attendees will visit the Otxarkoaga neighborhood to learn about the urban regeneration and housing projects undertaken there, aiming to explore ways to improve housing while maintaining affordability for current residents.
Tomorrow, October 22nd, the General Assembly of Eurhonet will take place. It will involve a review of the organization's progress, an exchange of priorities set by each entity, and the outlining of future strategic directions.
Bilbao is the first public housing management entity in Spain to join the Eurhonet network, which occurred last year. The network's 36 members aim to enhance professional performance and best practices, fostering new skills with a shared vision of pursuing excellence in public and social housing management.
