Summit speakers to discuss natural gas impacts on housing, economy

Six of the state’s top shale gas experts will discuss Marcellus Shale drilling and its impact on the real estate industry during a two-day summit, April 24-25, in Pittsburgh.

The speakers will lead discussions on some of the most common issues Realtors® face from these complex transactions including, community development, leases, titles, valuation, land management, economic impact and housing.

This week’s featured speakers:

Bryce Maretzki
Director of Strategic Planning and Policy, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)

Session: “Natural Gas Impacts on Housing”

Maretzki led PHFA’s response to the impact of Marcellus Shale development on housing and community development. Having spent the past 17 years working in public and non-profit organizations, he is committed to revitalizing our cities and towns.  As a practitioner in this sector, he has helped guide policy formation and project implementation on issues from housing and social services for families who are homeless, to countywide efforts to integrate community development and social services for families surviving poverty in Allegheny County. He holds a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received his Bachelor of Political Science and Urban Studies from Penn State University.

Tom Murphy
Co-Director, Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research

Session: “Economic Impacts of Natural Gas Development”

With 28 years of experience working with public officials, researchers, industry, government and landowners, Murphy’s work centers on educational consultation in natural resource development, with an emphasis in natural gas exploration. He lectures globally on the issues—from the economics that drive the process (including landowner and surface issues) to environmental aspects, drilling, infrastructure, and resource utilization.  This ranges from environmental risk mitigation strategy to legal and regulatory implications of energy development in local communities.  According to Tom, examining the role of “social license” is a vital feature of the shale dialogue prior to and during the energy development phase. Murphy is a graduate of Penn State University.

Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® (PAR) members are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Seating for the event is limited. For the complete agenda and registration information, visit ShaleGasSummit.com.

Venue

PAR members and guests can receive a discount hotel rate of $149 per room/per night at the Omni William Penn Hotel. Participants have until Thursday, April 3, at 5:00 PM EST to take advantage of the group rate. Participants can book their stay online or call 1-800-843-6664.

It is estimated that more than one-quarter of the 28,000 members of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® are impacted by transactions stemming from the development of the Marcellus Shale formation, one of the most abundant natural gas fields.