Learn More about Belmont Links, LLC

Who We Are

The U.S. housing market is a complex ecosystem. Stakeholders from the private, public, and non-profit sectors all play a significant role. For those aiming to reach untapped or underserved markets, whether through policy or business strategies, forming meaningful partnerships and exploring innovative approaches is essential. Belmont Links, LLC is here to guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals. 

The Challenge  

Our nation’s housing affordability challenges are affecting every community. Demographic and economic trends add a sense of urgency. As more aspiring homeowners are priced out of the market, social policy and business concerns are intersecting – a smaller homeownership market is less stable, less prosperous, and less equitable.  

Many of the obstacles to homeownership are familiar, both on the supply and demand side. At the same time, the traditional approaches are not working. Unfortunately, the same responses to the same challenges will yield the same suboptimal results.  

The Response  

It is time for new approaches, with innovation and collaboration as the cornerstones. Belmont Links can help provide a framework for cooperation that aligns partners around shared goals and then leverages their respective strengths for more impactful results.

This approach serves as a force multiplier for both policy and market challenges.  

Stephen A. O'Connor

"Find your authentic purpose, which is different from your passion. Your purpose is larger than yourself. It's your why and it's going to sustain you when you hit those roadblocks in your career."

  • Principal of Belmont Links, LLC

  • Former Senior Vice President of Affordable Housing Initiatives at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)

  • Past Chairman of the National Housing Conference (NHC)

  • Board Member of the Homeownership Council of America and the Up for Growth Action Coalition

  • Former Government Affairs Representative at the National Association of Realtors and Freddie Mac

  • Former Employee at Skyline Financial Services Corporation

  • Featured on the "Trailblazers Impact Podcast"

  • B.A. in Political Science from Marquette University

  • M.A. in Political Science from American University

About Stephen A. O'Connor

Stephen A. O'Connor is a seasoned consultant with over three decades of experience in housing policy, advocacy, and external relations. As the Principal of Belmont Links, LLC, he specializes in crafting strategies for advocacy campaigns, building strategic partnerships, and managing complex coalitions. 

As the former Senior Vice President of Affordable Housing Initiatives at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), Steve spearheaded groundbreaking efforts to address affordability challenges in both homeownership and rental housing. He is the visionary behind MBA's CONVERGENCE initiatives, which pioneered cross-sector, collective-impact coalitions in Memphis, Columbus, and Philadelphia, aimed at increasing minority homeownership through innovative, scalable approaches.   

Throughout his career, Steve has been a bridge-builder, working closely with consumer advocates, civil rights organizations, and affordable housing stakeholders across the United States. His philosophy centers on aligning partners around shared goals and leveraging their strengths for maximum impact—a strategy he has successfully employed in managing multiple high-stakes coalitions. 

Steve's influence extends beyond his consulting work. He has held leadership positions on numerous industry boards, including serving as Chairman of the National Housing Conference (NHC). His current board affiliations include NHC, the Homeownership Council of America and the Up for Growth Action Coalition, where he continues to shape policy and practice in the housing sector. 

Before founding Belmont Links, Steve's 28-year tenure at MBA (1996–2024) was preceded by roles in government affairs at the National Association of Realtors and Freddie Mac. His diverse experience also includes work at Skyline Financial Services Corporation, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the housing finance ecosystem. 

Recognized for his ability to forge partnerships and drive change, Steve was featured on the "Trailblazers Impact Podcast" for his collaborative approach to addressing homeownership challenges. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Marquette University and an M.A. in Political Science from American University, grounding his analytical approach to complex policy issues. 

Steve O'Connor continues to be a driving force in the housing industry, combining strategic insight with a deep commitment to expanding homeownership opportunities for underserved communities. 

Features

Steve O’Connor has been profiled on the Trailblazers Impact Podcast for his work building partnerships to address affordable housing. He was previously interviewed for the Duke University Oral Histories project on the American Predatory Lending Crisis and has been featured on TV, radio, and print media during his career. Steve has been a frequent speaker at industry events, including international housing forums in Tanzania and Germany.