Featured Community Builder: Chris Brown

As we approach "Building on our Foundation," CGHFH's community celebration and Restore grand opening this Saturday, May 2nd, we're highlighting organizations, individuals, and local and state officials who have made significant contributions to Habitat's mission. Each will be recognized with our first-ever Community Builders Award at the event. Today's featured community builder is Chris Brown.

Chris joined Pattern for Progress in April 2026 as a Senior Research Planner and the Program Manager for the Hudson Valley Alliance for Housing and Conservation. He holds the distinction of being the first graduate of the Pattern Fellows Program to become a member of the team.

Prior to joining Pattern, Chris served in a number of community development and nonprofit administration roles. As the Housing Development Coordinator for the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, he led the Columbia County Housing Task Force, created the Columbia County Land Bank Corporation, and was a founding board member of the Trillium Community Land Trust. During this time, Chris led a county-wide effort to certify every municipality as a New York State Pro-Housing Community. Columbia County remains the only county in the state to reach this milestone. 

In previous roles, Chris was a Community Planner with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, where he provided housing policy assistance to 30 towns and 2 cities; a Senior Planner charged with reviewing site plans in Sarasota, Florida, and; worked for the city of Troy, New York's Planning Department, where he co-created the Troy Community Land Bank and managed the city's vacant building rehabilitation strategies.

Chris holds a bachelor's degree in public policy from the University of Albany. His current work focuses on the intersections of affordability, livability and sustainability. In his free time, Chris enjoys exploring the rich scenic landscapes of the Hudson Valley and partaking in all forms of cinema.