ProLink Solutions at NCSHA’s 2025 Annual Conference in New Orleans

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Last week, the affordable housing community met in New Orleans for the 2025 NCSHA Annual Conference & Showplace, held October 4–7 at the New Orleans Marriott. This event brought together state Housing Finance Agencies, industry partners, and solution providers to explore emerging challenges, share best practices, and build connections. We were honored to participate as a Platinum Sponsor, and our team was thrilled to both speak and showcase the future of inspection technology.

A Conference of Insight and Momentum

This year’s agenda reflected the full spectrum of challenges and opportunities facing HFAs. The breakout sessions sparked meaningful discussions on how agencies can adapt, innovate, and lead in a rapidly changing environment.

In Navigating Talent Acquisition, speakers addressed workforce challenges such as succession planning, leadership transitions, and employee retention in a competitive labor market. With many seasoned executives nearing retirement, agencies are investing in leadership development and stronger organizational cultures. Topics like DEI, AI adoption, remote work, and relocation barriers underscored the importance of flexibility and adaptability in sustaining long-term success. The HFA Advocacy in Action session demonstrated the power of persistence and collaboration, with CHFA spotlighting its Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit and transit-oriented developments, North Carolina simplifying its funding processes and expanding bond capacity, and Idaho building bipartisan support to pass significant housing legislation.

Equally impactful were discussions on internal innovation and data-driven decision-making. In Best of HFAs: Internal Operations, agencies shared creative ways to strengthen efficiency and engagement. The conference concluded with Leveraging Data to Change the Housing Narrative, highlighting how consistent, high-quality data can influence public understanding and guide better policy.  Across every session, one message resonated: the future of affordable housing depends on innovation in people, policy, and data.

Live Demo Highlights

On Monday, our team offered a demo of our newest app, Procorem Inspect, which has been built from the ground up with the NSPIRE inspection standards in mind. Connor McKenna, Director of Product Strategy at ProLink Solutions, presented the live demonstration. Several audience members noted the smooth user experience, flexibility, and precision of the templates.

Beyond the demo, we hosted one-on-one sessions at our booth, answered dozens of questions, and collected invaluable feedback regarding the app. Many participants were particularly interested in how Procorem Inspect could reduce inspection turnaround, improve audit trails, and align workflow with evolving regulatory demands.

Final Thoughts

This year’s NCSHA conference underscored just how dynamic the affordable housing landscape has become with regulatory shifts, new technologies, and evolving workforce intersecting. Events like these are invaluable opportunities to share insights and collaborate on practical solutions to the challenges ahead.

For ProLink Solutions, sponsoring and presenting at NCSHA reaffirmed our commitment to innovation that serves real-world needs. With Procorem Inspect and our broader ProLinkHFA ecosystem, we’re focused on helping agencies strengthen compliance, manage risk, and streamline operations.

To learn more about Procorem Inspect and how it can support your agency’s inspection and compliance goals, please reach out to our team. We look forward to continuing our engagement beyond New Orleans.

We are also doing a session covering Procorem Inspect next week during ProLink Technology Live, our annual user conference. This conference is free and open to all public agencies. Click here to learn more and register.

What the NSPIRE Implementation Means for Affordable Housing

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On October 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will take another major step in rolling out the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE). HUD will begin issuing inspection scores for multifamily properties, publishing results publicly, and tying compliance more directly to program oversight. This milestone strengthens HUD’s focus on transparency and accountability and helps ensure that housing providers not only pass inspections but also maintain safe, quality housing year-round.

Extended Compliance for Voucher and CPD Programs

HUD has extended the compliance deadline for several major housing programs, including Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Voucher, Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation, HOME, Housing Trust Fund, HOPWA, ESG, and Continuum of Care. These programs now have until October 1, 2025, to fully adopt NSPIRE standards, giving agencies more time to prepare. While compliance is delayed, inspection procedures for voucher-based programs are already finalized, as NSPIRE officially replaced Housing Quality Standards (HQS) in 2023. Properties must still meet requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and PHAs delaying implementation must notify HUD under updated rules.

In addition, HUD is delaying when new affirmative requirements will affect inspection scores. Until October 1, 2025, deficiencies in areas like fire-labeled doors, electrical protections, guardrails, HVAC, and lighting will be noted but not scored. After that date, failing to meet these standards will directly reduce inspection scores, giving property owners and managers extra time to budget and complete upgrades before penalties take effect.

Prioritizing Resident Health

NSPIRE is designed to put resident health and safety first, shifting inspections away from cosmetic issues and toward conditions inside units where tenants live. Core requirements include working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, safe electrical and plumbing systems, proper ventilation, and protection against pests. The old 100-point scoring system has been replaced with a clear pass/fail model, with life-threatening issues corrected within 24 hours and other deficiencies within 30 days. HUD also expects year-round compliance, urging owners and housing authorities to conduct regular self-inspections. The October 1, 2025 milestone goes beyond a compliance deadline—it marks HUD’s push for transparency, accountability, and higher standards, with published inspection scores and expanded requirements raising the bar for safe, well-maintained housing.

Conclusion

The shift to NSPIRE brings new expectations, tighter timelines, and greater accountability. For many housing providers, this means rethinking how inspections are tracked, managed, and resolved.

ProLink Solutions’ digital inspection management tool is designed to simplify compliance in today’s evolving regulatory landscape by allowing agencies, owners, and managers to conduct and document self-inspections aligned with NSPIRE standards, track deficiencies with automatic repair assignments, share real-time updates in a secure platform, and maintain a clear audit trail to demonstrate ongoing compliance.

To support the affordable housing community through this implementation of NSPIRE, ProLink is hosting both a virtual and in-person opportunity to learn more about Procorem Inspect:

We invite you to join us at either event to see firsthand how Procorem Inspect can streamline compliance and strengthen inspection readiness.

At ProLink Solutions, we understand that NSPIRE is more than a new checklist; it’s a shift toward continuous compliance and putting resident safety first. With Procorem Inspect, we help clients adapt quickly, stay organized, and meet HUD’s higher expectations with confidence. As HUD continues rolling out changes, ProLink will remain at the forefront, delivering innovative tools and resources that empower the affordable housing community to thrive in this new environment.

How States Are Accelerating Affordable Housing Supply

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Housing affordability has become one of the most pressing economic and political issues in the United States. To address growing demand, over 20 states this year have implemented policies aimed at ramping up housing production.  These measures range from legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and duplexes to establishing quantitative production targets. In the first six months of this year, lawmakers introduced over 400 “pro-housing” bills across the states. Roughly 70 have been enacted so far, and at least 30 more are pending a governor’s signature.

Steps to Accelerate Housing Construction

Many of these bills follow a broader state-level trend: reducing local regulatory barriers to speed development. About one-third of the legislation passed so far streamlines permitting processes, while another two dozen update building codes; such as allowing certain multifamily buildings to be constructed with a single staircase. Around 15 bills focus specifically on expanding ADU construction, a policy that has gained popularity in recent years.

Traditionally, zoning authority has been left to cities. However, with housing costs climbing, state policymakers are increasingly reasserting authority over land-use decisions. State-level interventions have the advantage of impacting larger geographic areas and can more effectively standardize regulations that support new construction.

This wave of legislative activity underscores that housing affordability remains a high priority, even amid political divisions and economic uncertainty. The ultimate goal across states has been consistent: accelerate housing construction, reduce red tape, and meet the needs of growing communities.

Obstacles to Affordable Housing Expansion

Still, there are obstacles. The federal “Big Beautiful Bill” includes significant cuts to Medicaid and food stamps—programs that indirectly support many low-income households. Coupled with concerns about a slowing economy and the impact of tariffs, questions still remain about states’ abilities to sustain robust affordable housing investments.

For now, fiscal conditions are favorable. Analysts at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) project that state spending will decline by less than one percent on average in the coming fiscal year, noting that state budgets are currently “about the strongest we’ve ever seen.” This stability gives states the near-term capacity to continue advancing housing supply initiatives.

However, maintaining this momentum will be more difficult if federal cuts deepen or broader economic conditions deteriorate. For housing stakeholders, the message is clear: the current policy and budget environment offers a pivotal opportunity to address housing shortages. Acting strategically now could determine whether progress continues, or demand outpaces supply once again.

Conclusion

At ProLink Solutions, we equip housing agencies and developers with the tools to turn policy into results. Our software streamlines compliance, tracks progress, and ensures programs deliver lasting impact. As states work to expand housing supply, ProLink stands ready to help transform today’s opportunities into stronger communities nationwide.

Key Takeaways from NCSHA’s Housing Credit Connect 2025

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Several members of the ProLink Solutions team had the opportunity to attend sessions at this year’s NCSHA Housing Credit Connect in Chicago. This conference, which takes place annually, continues to be an invaluable opportunity to stay informed, engage with industry peers, and contribute to the conversations that help shape the future of affordable housing policy and practice. As a dedicated technology partner, ProLink Solutions remains committed to supporting housing agencies and stakeholders with innovative tools as well as insights that enhance the development, management, and preservation of Housing Credit portfolios. Below are key takeaways from several sessions that offered forward-looking solutions and practical guidance for navigating today’s affordable housing landscape.

Key Session Takeaways: Innovation, Financing, and Performance

“New Approaches to Cost-Efficient Developments” focused on how developers are managing rising costs and interest rates through standardization, technology, and local partnerships. Kittle Property Group, Inc. uses repeatable designs to control costs, while others are piloting AI for rent collection and water leak detection. During this session, our staff recognized the importance of efficiency, smart design, tech, and collaboration and how these are essential to keeping costs in check.

The session titled “Maximizing Tax-Exempt Bond Financing” covered creative strategies developers are using to address limited bond volume and high interest rates, especially with the expected drop in the 50% test to 25%. Tools like cash-backed forwards, ground leases, and condo structures are helping developers stretch bond resources.

The third session our staff was able to attend was “Maximizing the Impact of State Tax Credits” this session examined how state credits are becoming key financing tools, not just gap fillers. With programs in 32 states plus D.C., understanding the differences between certificated and allocated credits is crucial. Challenges include low pricing and legislative hurdles, but investor interest is growing, especially from banks using credits to manage taxes for high-net-worth clients.

The session “Navigating the Housing Credit Equity Market” explored how growing deal sizes are running into limited investor demand, creating downward pressure on pricing. With fewer investors competing for more tax credits, the price investors are willing to pay per dollar of tax credit is going down. For every $1.00 of LIHTC a project generates, investors are only paying somewhere between $0.80 and $0.89. Which means lower prices equal less equity available to fund projects. There’s optimism around a federal tax bill that could expand housing credits and spark new development.

The final session we were able to attend was “Analyzing Performance Trends to Inform Future Developments”. This session revealed that expenses are growing faster than income, which is putting added pressure on projects already challenged by financing delays and supply chain issues. Many teams are still using outdated inflation models, but others are shifting to real-time forecasting with higher trends. Poor property management also further impacts performance.

The sessions at this year’s Housing Credit Connect made it clear that while the affordable housing industry faces ongoing challenges, from rising costs and equity market pressures to shifting financing dynamics. However, there is also a strong sense of innovation, adaptability, and collaboration across the field. Developers, investors, and housing agencies are embracing new technologies, financial strategies, and performance insights to drive more efficient, impactful outcomes.

Collaboration and Thought Leadership from ProLink Solutions

ProLink was also proud to participate in several panels for the conference. Ryan Kim, VP of Professional Services at ProLink, participated in a panel for Average Income Test Compliance Strategies on June 25th at 4:30 p.m. Connor McKenna, Director of Product Strategy, participated in two panels. On June 26th at 4:00 p.m., he was part of the NSPIRE Physical Inspection Primer panel. On Friday, June 27th at 11:00 a.m., he also participated in a panel covering Artificial Intelligence and Compliance Tech Trends.

At ProLink Solutions, we’re proud to be part of this evolving ecosystem, and we always enjoy helping our partners stay ahead of the curve with tools and support designed for long-term success. We look forward to continuing these important conversations and working together to strengthen the future of affordable housing.

Shaping the Future of Affordable Housing at NCSHA’s Housing Credit Connect Conference 2025

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The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) is hosting its annual Housing Credit Connect conference in Chicago from June 24-27th. This is a chance for the industry to gather together and discuss key challenges and opportunities within affordable housing. With Congress advancing major tax legislation that could bring the most substantial changes to the Housing Credit in more than ten years, the affordable housing industry is actively assessing how these proposals could affect the program.

During the conference, attendees will gain insight as into how state agencies intend to allocate the additional 12.5% in Housing Credit authority, how the reduced tax-exempt bond financing threshold could transform the structuring of 4% Credit developments, how new basis boosts for rural and Native American communities will support project feasibility, and how these changes may influence equity markets and Credit pricing.

ProLink Solutions is proud to serve as a Platinum Sponsor at this year’s Housing Credit Connect Conference. We’re excited to share that Ryan Kim, Vice President of Professional Services, and Connor McKenna, Director of Product Strategy, will be featured as guest panelists during this year’s conference.

Featured Panelists

Ryan Kim will join as a guest panelist for the session Average Income Test Compliance Strategies on Wednesday, June 25th, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. This session will explore effective state agency and industry best practices for ensuring compliance with the Average Income Test (AIT) minimum set-aside. Topics will include initial tenant qualification, unit designation, project lease-up, AIT compliance reporting, application of the Next Available Unit Rule, annual recertifications, use of AIT in resyndication, correction of noncompliance, and maintaining compliance in developments with multiple subsidies.

On Thursday, June 26th, Connor McKenna, will be speaking on the NSPIRE Physical Inspection Primer panel from 4 to 5 p.m. This session will cover key components of the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) protocol, including implementation timelines, revised scoring procedures, and best practices for applying the standards in developments with multiple subsidies. The discussion will also address how staffing reductions at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development—both at headquarters and in field offices—may affect NSPIRE reporting requirements within the Housing Credit industry.

Connor will also be a speaker for Artificial Intelligence and Compliance Tech Trends, hosted on Friday, June 27th from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Recent changes in Housing Credit compliance requirements are spurring significant advances in software and technology. This session will explore new tools to monitor compliance with AIT requirements, HOTMA income and asset rules, and the NSPIRE inspection protocol, as well as efficiencies gained through artificial intelligence, expedited tenant qualification procedures, and standardized compliance documents.

Conclusion

As housing agencies place greater emphasis on data-driven decision-making, the conference will showcase how data can be leveraged to optimize Housing Credit allocations, evaluate program performance, and strengthen compliance efforts. Attendees will also have the chance to engage with affordable housing leaders from across the country, fostering valuable connections and collaboration.

For ProLink Solutions and others in the affordable housing sector, events like this provide invaluable opportunities to stay informed, connect with industry peers, and actively contribute to the conversations shaping the future of housing policy and practice. As a technology partner, we’re committed to equipping housing agencies and stakeholders with effective tools and strategies for developing, managing, and preserving Housing Credit portfolios.

ProLink Solutions will be at Booth 16 at Housing Credit Connect next week. We’d love to hear what’s on your mind and share how we’re helping others in the affordable housing space.

Proposed LIHTC Enhancements in 2025 Reconciliation Bill

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Last week, part of the draft tax text for a major 2025 reconciliation bill was released by the House Ways and Means Committee, aimed at extending provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is set to expire at the end of this year. NCSHA, along with thousands of advocates, pushed to include a provision from the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act that would boost the supply of rental housing.

The bill includes three significant enhancements to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, aimed at increasing the development and preservation of affordable housing nationwide.

LIHTC Enhancements Included in the Bill

First, the annual Housing Credit volume cap for 9 percent LIHTC properties will be increased by 12.5 percent. This temporary increase will begin in 2026 and remain in effect through 2029, providing states with greater allocation authority to support more affordable housing developments.

Second, the bill lowers the bond financing threshold for developments using the 4 percent LIHTC. Specifically, projects placed in service after December 31, 2025, will only be required to finance 25 percent of their costs with tax-exempt bonds. To qualify for this reduced threshold, the bonds must be issued prior to January 1, 2030. This change is expected to significantly expand the number of financially feasible 4 percent Housing Credit projects, particularly in rural or financially constrained environments.

Third, the bill provides a targeted 30 percent basis boost for properties located in Native American and rural communities. This increase in eligible basis, to be allocated at the discretion of state Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs), will apply to properties placed in service between December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2030. The basis boost is designed to strengthen the financial viability of projects in underserved and high-need areas, where development costs are often high and traditional financing sources are limited.

Opportunity Zones (OZ)

The proposed bill extends, expands, and reforms the Opportunity Zones (OZ) tax incentive. It allows current OZ designations to continue through 2026, designates new OZs (including some rural areas), consolidates tax basis increases for post-2026 investments, enhances rural OZ benefits, revises ordinary income treatment, and introduces new rules for improving structures in rural communities. The bill also establishes annual reporting requirements for opportunity funds and OZ businesses, with penalties for noncompliance.

ProLink Solutions is proud to be an affiliate of the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA), which has been at the forefront of advocating for provisions drawn from the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act. This bipartisan initiative aims to strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. NCSHA, alongside over 2,600 organizations and businesses, has been a strong advocate for these reforms to help address the nation’s growing affordable housing crisis. Additionally, NCSHA played a crucial role in preserving the tax exemption for private activity bonds (PABs), which were at risk of being eliminated in earlier drafts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

In the Future

As the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act moves through revisions and review by the House Ways and Means Committee, followed by further consideration in the House and Senate, ProLink Solutions is closely monitoring its potential impact on affordable housing finance. With lawmakers aiming to finalize the bill by July 4, ahead of midyear deadlines, we understand the importance of staying ahead of any regulatory changes.

We want to reassure our ProLinkHFA users that our platform is well equipped to handle any changes to the LIHTC program, regardless of how the bill evolves. Our existing technology is designed to seamlessly adapt to new regulatory requirements, and with our deep expertise in compliance, we’re prepared to address any additional changes that may arise. ProLinkHFA will continue to evolve with the industry, ensuring that our users can maintain smooth operations and stay ahead of any legislative shifts in affordable housing finance.

Key Impacts of the AHCIA Reintroduction

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The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA) aims to strengthen and expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), the federal government’s primary tool for promoting the development and preservation of affordable rental housing for low-income families. Since its original introduction in 2016, the AHCIA has earned broad bipartisan support for increasing housing production, reaching underserved populations, and improving program efficiency. A temporary 12.5% boost to Housing Credit allocations was enacted in 2018 but expired in 2021. The 2025 version of the AHCIA seeks to reinstate key provisions to maximize impact on affordable housing supply.

Although reintroduced in 2023, the AHCIA did not pass. A major change in the 2025 version is the inclusion of a Sense of Congress section in both the House and Senate bills, compared to its prior presence only in the Senate version. Over the years, Congress has enacted parts of the AHCIA through other legislation, including the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024.

Why It Matters Now

Given rising housing costs, constrained supply, and increased post-pandemic demand, the timing of AHCIA’s reintroduction in 2025 makes it particularly relevant. The affordable housing industry is looking for policy shifts that can accelerate development as well as expand housing access. Before its reintroduction, the legislation was originally forecasted to finance more than 1.9 million affordable rental homes over 10 years.

The reintroduction of the AHCIA stems from a desire to address issues within the LIHTC program to ensure it remains effective in meeting the growing need for affordable housing. Some of the key reasons for the reintroduction include:

Impacts on the Affordable Housing Industry

  1. Increased Housing Production – AHCIA would boost the 9% LIHTC allocation by 50%, phased in two years. This would dramatically increase the number of affordable housing units that can be financed annually.
  2. Increased Developer Interest – Improved financial feasibility and predictability can bring more developers into the affordable housing space.
  3. Permanent 4% Floor – By setting a permanent 4% minimum credit rate (originally done temporarily under COVID relief), more bond-financed deals become viable.
  4. Deep Income Targeting – More flexibility to serve extremely low-income households without sacrificing project feasibility.
  5. Rural & Tribal Incentives – Provisions to encourage development in underserved rural and tribal communities.

How Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) Would Be Impacted

  1. Greater Allocation Responsibility – With an increased credit cap, HFAs would oversee a larger pipeline of projects and tax credit allocations and therefore have a greater capacity to support developments nationwide.
  2. Greater Demand for Bond Volume Cap – The permanent 4% credit rate could increase demand for private activity bonds (PABs), which HFAs manage.
  3. New Compliance & Underwriting Guidelines – HFAs would need to adjust procedures to align with changes like deep income targeting and new basis boosts.
  4. Increased Administrative Load – More projects means more application reviews, monitoring, and compliance enforcement, which can lead to a greater administrative burden.

What to Watch for This Month

If AHCIA is gaining momentum or attached to a broader tax package, it’s crucial for stakeholders to understand its implications now, especially as states gear up for their 2025 LIHTC allocation plans.

ProLink Solutions remains dedicated to providing innovative technology solutions that streamline the management of 4% and 9% tax credit portfolios. By incorporating the latest regulatory requirements, adapting to evolving industry best practices, and prioritizing efficiency, we are committed to supporting the growth of LIHTC-funded housing projects.

Navigating the Challenges of Managing Tenant Waitlists at LIHTC Properties

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Effective collaboration between Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property managers, and community-based organizations is crucial in ensuring that housing opportunities reach those who need them most. While HFAs oversee LIHTC properties at a high level, nonprofits are deeply engaged with tenant populations, such as veterans, single mothers, or individuals with disabilities. However, communication between these entities often falls short, creating significant challenges in tenant prioritization and placement.

The Communication Disconnect

HFAs are responsible for administering the overall waitlist for LIHTC properties, ensuring compliance with tax credit requirements, and managing property oversight. Nonprofits, on the other hand, are more directly involved with tenants, advocating for their needs and ensuring that vulnerable groups receive the attention and housing they require.

However, when units become available, the owner/agent typically reaches out to the next person on the waitlist without directly informing the nonprofit organizations that could advocate for prioritized tenants. This leads to misplacement of tenants—someone with lower priority on the waitlist may be placed in a unit that was meant for a more vulnerable population, such as a single mother or a veteran.

A study done by the Urban Institute highlights how this breakdown in communication impacts the efficiency of affordable housing programs and exacerbates the difficulties faced by specialized tenant groups.

Consequences of Poor Communication

The absence of timely and effective communication has serious consequences for both tenants and the organizations supporting them. This lack of communication can result in misaligned placements with tenants who are less suited for specialized units being placed in them, undermining the intent of LIHTC programs, which prioritize specific groups. Additionally, specialized units may remain unoccupied due to the failure to notify appropriate tenants. The affordability goal of the LIHTC program is then compromised, leading to a waste of valuable resources.

According to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, ensuring that tenants are appropriately matched with units according to their needs can help reduce vacancy rates and improve the overall effectiveness of affordable housing programs.

These challenges highlight the need for strengthened partnerships between owner/agents, HFAs and nonprofit organizations to enhance the effectiveness of affordable housing programs. Better communication also significantly improves housing access and efficiency.

Best Practices for Improved Collaboration

To enhance communication and ensure timely placements, HFAs and nonprofits can:

  • Use Integrated Waitlist Systems: Share databases for real-time access and updates to waitlist information.
  • Establish Prioritization Protocols: Collaborate to define clear tenant prioritization criteria that align with regulatory requirements and community needs.
  • Assign Liaisons: Designate staff to facilitate communication between owner/agents, HFAs and nonprofits.
  • Provide Training: Offer joint sessions to ensure understanding of LIHTC regulations and tenant needs.

Conclusion

At ProLink, we’re working closely with our clients to optimize our platform and improve the management of waitlists, ensuring better communication between Housing Finance Agencies and nonprofits. We’re also exploring future solutions to further address waitlisting challenges and enhance collaboration, ultimately supporting the success of affordable housing programs.

Opinion on the New Administration’s Approach to Affordable Housing

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The inauguration of President Donald Trump marked a shift in the political landscape, bringing with it a wave of uncertainty that affected various sectors, including affordable housing. As with many policy areas, the approach to affordable housing under the new administration has raised concerns and posed questions for industry professionals and advocates. While the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program remains secure—a critical and bipartisan tool for affordable housing development—there are broader anxieties about how other key housing initiatives may fare under the Trump administration.

LIHTC As A Pillar of Affordable Housing

The LIHTC program, a primary source of affordable housing financing, enjoys longstanding bipartisan support. Historically, this program has been a cornerstone of affordable housing development across the United States. Regardless of political shifts, it’s widely expected that LIHTC will continue to be supported by the new administration, as it is a tool that has proven effective and crucial for tackling the nation’s housing crisis. This stability is vital for developers and investors who depend on the tax credit to fund new projects.

Bipartisan Support for Affordable Housing

Both Republicans and Democrats understand the critical need for affordable housing and its positive impact on communities. Despite changes in administration, this common ground ensures that affordable housing remains a priority. President Trump’s Secretary pick for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Scott Turner, for instance, has expressed a clear commitment to addressing housing shortages by focusing on Opportunity Zones and bolstering investments in underdeveloped areas, which could potentially accelerate affordable housing development.

However, the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to federal housing budgets, including funding for HUD, heightened uncertainty about the future of housing-related support.

Potential Challenges for Other Programs

While LIHTC is expected to remain secure, the Trump administration’s policy focus on deregulation and scaling back government intervention in certain areas could present challenges for other housing programs. There are concerns that efforts to roll back Obama-era regulations aimed at promoting fair housing could weaken protections that support equitable housing access. Trump’s team has notably rolled back policies designed to address systemic housing inequities, which could affect low-income and minority communities’ access to housing.

Reaffirming the Relevance of Affordable Housing

Despite these potential challenges, the fundamental need for affordable housing remains unchanged. Even as other programs, such as renewable energy initiatives, may face funding cuts or policy changes, the essential nature of affordable housing will ensure its continued relevance. The Trump administration has made it clear that housing will continue to be a key area of focus, with strategies like the Opportunity Zones program, which encourages investment in distressed areas, possibly offering new pathways to address the shortage of affordable units.

 

In conclusion, while political changes may bring uncertainty to other housing-related programs, affordable housing remains a priority that transcends party lines. The LIHTC program’s stability and the ongoing bipartisan support for affordable housing are positive signs that, regardless of the administration, the goal of expanding affordable housing opportunities across the country will remain in focus.

 

Regulatory Updates from the Housing Credit Module at HFA Institute

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The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) hosted its annual HFA Institute from January 12 to 17, 2025, in Washington, DC. This comprehensive event featured four program-specific modules, with the Housing Credit module taking place from January 14 to 16. During this module, many sessions were available that addressed everything from housing credit compliance and development to recent regulatory updates.

The implementation of HUD’s Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) and the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) is bringing significant changes to the affordable housing landscape. In several discussions led by industry experts, key strategies for navigating these updates were outlined, emphasizing the importance of compliance and adaptability. These sessions offered actionable insights for housing professionals. Here’s a closer look at the highlights, challenges, and strategies for success in this evolving regulatory environment.

HOTMA Implementation Strategies

For a discussion on HOTMA implementation strategies, Jillian Toole, Senior Policy and Strategy Manager for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, was joined by several key players in affordable housing compliance to discuss how to implement HOTMA at Multifamily housing sites. They also provided a breakdown between Required and Discretionary policies. With Asset Limitation, for example, it is required to deny admission if family has more than $103,200 in net family assets OR if they own a disqualifying piece of real property. However, choosing to enforce policy upon annual or initial recertification is will be discretionary under HOTMA.

One challenge of HOTMA implementation denoted by the panel is the large-scale revisions HUD Multifamily Housing sites must undertake for their Tenant Selection Plans and EIV Policies & Procedures. Additionally, new HOTMA guidance adds new provisions to compliance and management as well as changes prior guidance. Panelists also provided clarification on mandatory policies, such as asset limitations and de minimis errors. You can view the presentation materials here.

Visit the HUD website to stay up-to-date on the latest HOTMA changes.

Physical Inspections Under the NSPIRE Protocol

Susan Westbrook, Manager of Rental Assets at North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, led a discussion on the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) featuring panelists from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development  (HUD), US Housing Consultants and Zeffert & Associates.

This session provided attendees a comprehensive understanding of the implementation timeline for NSPIRE and new scoring procedures. Panelists also reflected on NSPIRE one year in. Here are some highlights:

  • Out of the top 10 defects causing the largest score deductions, 6 are Life-Threatening. The largest is “Exposed electrical conductor” with a deduction of 14.73 points per 100 units inspected.
  • Out of the top 10 most commonly cited defects, 2 are Life-Threatening. The most common is “Smoke alarm is not installed where required” with an average defect count of 16.25 citations per 100 units inspected.
  • Electrical, Egress, and Fire Safety defects impacted NSPIRE scores more than other types of defects.

You can view the presentation materials here.

 

The Housing Credit module at HFAi provided an in-depth look into the evolving regulatory landscape of affordable housing. The discussions on HOTMA and NSPIRE underscored the critical need for housing professionals to stay informed and adaptable. By embracing these changes and implementing the strategies shared by industry experts, stakeholders can effectively navigate the complexities ahead, ensuring continued compliance and the provision of quality affordable housing. Staying engaged with ongoing regulatory updates and participating in future industry events will be essential for success in this dynamic environment.