For over four decades, the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA) has stood at the forefront of advancing affordable housing through local innovation, public-private partnerships, and policy leadership. Representing the collective voice of local housing finance agencies (HFAs) across the United States, NALHFA plays a pivotal role in supporting the professionals and organizations that make housing more accessible and equitable for all.
Who we are and what we do
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NALHFA is the national organization that brings together local government agencies and private-sector partners dedicated to the development, financing, and preservation of affordable housing. Through legislative and regulatory advocacy, education, and collaboration, we provide a vital platform for knowledge sharing, thought leadership, and innovation within the affordable housing sector.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to support local housing finance agencies in their efforts to provide affordable housing in their communities. We do this by advocating for sound federal housing policy, offering high-quality professional development and education opportunities, and fostering a strong network of practitioners who share best practices, challenges, and innovative solutions.
Who our members are
NALHFA’s members are on the front lines of affordable housing. They include local HFAs, housing departments, community development agencies, bond issuers, and nonprofit developers that use tools such as tax-exempt bonds, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and other public finance instruments to support the development of multifamily and single-family housing.
These agencies play a critical role in translating federal and state policy into local action. Whether they are providing mortgage assistance to first-time homebuyers, issuing bonds to finance multifamily housing, or managing rehabilitation programs for existing properties, NALHFA members are tackling housing challenges with a hands-on, community-based approach.
Our affiliate members—ranging from banks and law firms to financial advisors and syndicators—contribute industry expertise and support, forming strong public-private partnerships that are essential to the success of affordable housing finance.
Advocacy priorities
NALHFA’s advocacy agenda is centered around protecting and enhancing the federal tools that empower local housing efforts. Our top priorities include:
• Preserving and expanding the LIHTC program, the nation’s most successful tool for developing affordable rental housing.
• Protecting tax-exempt private activity bonds, which are crucial for financing both rental and homeownership housing.
• Supporting down payment assistance initiatives to help low- and moderate-income families access homeownership.
• Increasing funding for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and Community Development Block Grants, vital resources for local governments.
• Promoting reforms to streamline the federal housing finance system, ensuring that local HFAs maintain access to secondary mortgage markets.
Through regular engagement with Congress, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and other federal agencies, NALHFA ensures that the needs of local housing finance agencies are heard and addressed.
Legislative wins for the organization
NALHFA has a long track record of successful advocacy that has resulted in meaningful policy outcomes. In recent years, we have:
• Secured a permanent four percent floor on LIHTC allocations for bond-financed properties, improving financial predictability and deal viability.
• Protected the tax-exempt status of private activity bonds during major federal tax reform debates, preserving this critical financing tool.
• Advocated for increased allocations to affordable housing and community development programs in annual federal budgets.
• Successfully advocated for the indefinite extension of the Federal Financing Bank Risk-Share program, ensuring local HFAs can continue to leverage this critical financing tool to expand affordable housing in their communities.
These victories were made possible through sustained advocacy efforts, coalition-building, and member engagement. NALHFA continues to work tirelessly to shape federal policy that empowers local leaders to respond to their community’s unique housing needs.
Why join as members
Membership in NALHFA offers unparalleled access to advocacy, education, and networking tailored to the needs of housing finance professionals. By joining NALHFA, agencies and partners gain:
• A powerful voice in Washington, ensuring that local perspectives are considered in national housing policy.
• Access to a nationwide network of peers facing similar challenges and opportunities.
• Insight into federal legislative and regulatory developments, with timely updates and expert analysis.
• Discounted registration for events and training programs.
• Opportunities to shape the future of affordable housing, through committee participation and thought leadership.
Whether you’re a small city housing department or a large bond issuer, NALHFA membership connects you to the resources and relationships that matter most.
Educational opportunities: NALHFA University and the Leadership Excellence Institute
NALHFA is deeply committed to building the capacity of housing finance professionals through innovative educational programming.
NALHFA University, our cornerstone training platform, offers a comprehensive suite of webinars and courses tailored to professionals at all experience levels. Topics include bond financing, LIHTC compliance, project underwriting, and emerging issues in housing finance. These sessions are led by industry experts and are designed to provide practical knowledge that participants can immediately apply in their work.
In addition, the NALHFA Leadership Excellence Institute (LEI) is an exclusive professional development program for mid-level managers in the affordable housing field. Combining in-person and virtual cohort sessions with executive coaching, e-learning modules, and leadership assessments, LEI equips participants with the tools to lead teams, drive organizational change, and grow within their careers. The program fosters a community of rising leaders committed to excellence in affordable housing finance.
NALHFA’s Annual Conference
NALHFA brings members together every Spring at its Annual Conference, the premier event for local housing finance professionals. This multi-day gathering features expert panels, peer-to-peer learning, federal policy updates, and dynamic keynote speakers. Attendees gain fresh insights, learn about successful projects across the country, and leave inspired to elevate their work.
The conference also serves as a celebration of excellence. NALHFA’s Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding member projects that demonstrate innovation, impact, and community benefit. From transformative housing developments to cutting-edge financing strategies, these awards showcase what is possible when local agencies are empowered to lead.
Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned practitioner, the NALHFA Annual Conference is the place to recharge your passion, reconnect with peers, and reimagine what affordable housing can achieve.
Key takeaways
In a time of historic housing challenges and unprecedented attacks on federal programs and resources that make affordable housing possible, NALHFA stands as a beacon of leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Our members are the builders of communities, the problem-solvers on the ground, and the champions of housing equity. Through strong advocacy, cutting-edge education, and a vibrant professional network, NALHFA continues to empower local housing finance agencies to create lasting change.
If you believe in the power of local solutions to national housing issues, there is no better time to become part of the NALHFA community.
Join us. Learn with us. Lead with us.
