Saint John is gearing up to host its first developer symposium in late March.

It is a partnership between the city and the region’s growth agency, Envision Saint John.

Carrie Smith, who works with the city’s Growth and Community Development Services, said this year’s theme will be unlocking housing supply.

“This event will support relationship building and enhance collaboration while also providing information on new programs, initiatives and funding streams that support development,” Smith told members of council’s growth committee last week.

It will also be a chance for city staff to become aware of pressing development challenges from a private-sector perspective, and to foster interconnection between developers themselves.

Saint John developers will be the main focus but the event will also be open to others in the region, according to city staff.

“A list of attendees will be finalized within the next two weeks and a save the date of March 21st will be sent to staff and members of Common Council and the development community,” said Smith.

Saint John committed to launching a developer symposium as part of its 10-year strategic plan.

Smith said the goal is to make the conference an annual event in the city.