Building Green: Energy and Water Efficiency Are More Important Than Ever in Affordable Housing Developments

By Caitlin Jones
January 16, 2012 1 min read

Tax Credit Advisor, January 2012: Staying current on green building and energy efficiency requirements and techniques, funding sources and incentives to pay for improvements, and steps for effective operation and maintenance are more essential than ever for the successful construction and rehabilitation of affordable multifamily rental housing projects.

In the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) program, it can mean the difference between winning and not winning an award of 9% tax credits. And, in the current environment of tight federal budgets and rising energy costs, greater efficiency is also vital for other government-assisted multifamily properties, such as public housing and rental projects assisted or financed under programs of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and USDA’s Rural Development. Read More…

Breaking Ground

Jennifer Leimaile Ho, Minnesota Housing Commissioner and Incoming Chair of National Council of State Housing Agencies

Pamela Martineau • December 1, 2024 10 min read

Earlier this fall, Jennifer Leimaile Ho was elected chair of the National Council of State Housing Agencies’ (NCSHA) 2025 Board of Directors. Ho is the Commissioner of Minnesota Housing, having been appointed by Governor Tim Walz in January 2019 and reappointed in 2023.

“Business as Usual”

Leaders in Equity Express Optimism Despite an Uncertain Future

Abram Mamet • December 1, 2024 9 min read

Any outside observer may assume some unease amongst the low-income housing industry. Buffeted on the one hand by residual stressors from the COVID-19 pandemic and on the other by the uncertain prospects of an incoming federal administration keen on cutting spending and shrinking government programs, the affordable housing landscape is experiencing an inflection point.

NCSHA Recognizes Stand-Out Affordable Housing Programs and Initiatives

Pamela Martineau • December 1, 2024 7 min read

This fall, the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) recognized 17 programs offered by state housing finance agencies across the nation that creatively developed tools to tackle their communities’ affordable housing challenges.