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Our History

A Legacy of Advocacy, Impact, and Industry Leadership

For more than four decades, the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA) has represented local housing finance agencies and advanced federal policies that support affordable housing finance nationwide.

At a Glance

  • Founded in 1982 to represent local housing finance agencies.
  • More than four decades of advocacy advancing federal housing policy.
  • Helped protect and expand key tools, including LIHTC, HOME, and tax-exempt housing bonds.
  • Secured landmark Housing Credit and bond-financing victories in 2025.
  • Helped advance the most comprehensive bipartisan affordable housing legislation in decades in 2026.
  • A trusted national voice connecting local expertise to federal decision-makers.
  • An ongoing leader in education, technical assistance, and industry collaboration.

Building the Foundation: 1980s–1990s

NALHFA was founded in 1982 to give local housing finance agencies a unified voice in Washington, D.C. From the start, the association helped shape federal housing policy and protect financing tools that support affordable housing development.

NALHFA helped preserve tax-exempt housing bonds and supported the implementation of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and HOME Investment Partnerships Program—programs that remain foundational to affordable housing finance.

Through early advocacy and strong relationships on Capitol Hill, NALHFA became a trusted national resource for housing finance professionals.

Expanding Influence and Expertise: 1995–2010

As affordable housing finance evolved, NALHFA expanded its role in education, technical assistance, and professional development.

The organization launched training programs, workshops, and foundational resources, including Bonds for Beginners, to help practitioners navigate complex financing issues.

NALHFA also worked with industry partners to secure funding for housing programs and expand financing tools, strengthening local agencies and their partners nationwide.

This period broadened NALHFA’s work from advocacy alone to a comprehensive model combining policy leadership with practical support.

Leading Through Change: 2010s–Today

Through economic uncertainty and rapid change, NALHFA has remained a steady voice for the affordable housing finance industry.

During the 2008 housing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, NALHFA worked with federal partners to support emergency funding, stabilize financing markets, and help housing agencies respond effectively.

Recent advocacy efforts have supported:

  • Expanded funding for affordable housing programs.
  • Emergency rental assistance and mortgage relief.
  • Enhancements to housing tax credit programs.
  • Improvements to tax-exempt bond financing.
  • Modernization and streamlining of federal housing programs.

NALHFA also continues to convene housing finance leaders, policymakers, and industry partners to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and drive progress.

A New Brand for a New Era: 2025

In 2025, NALHFA introduced a refreshed logo and visual identity designed to reflect the association’s professional, authoritative, and mission-driven role as a leading advocate for local housing finance agencies.

The new icon brings three roof-shaped elements together, symbolizing the communities NALHFA helps connect and support. The three colors in the icon represent the association’s core network: local city governments, the communities they serve, and the banking and finance partners that help make affordable housing possible.

Revealed at the 2025 Annual Conference in Minneapolis, this change signaled continuity and momentum: a brand rooted in a legacy of advocacy and built for the next chapter of affordable housing finance leadership.

Landmark Advocacy Achievement

A Historic Housing Credit Victory: 2025

In July 2025, years of advocacy by NALHFA and its partners resulted in landmark federal improvements to two of the affordable housing industry’s most important financing tools.

The One Big, Beautiful Bill Act included a permanent 12% increase in annual Low-Income Housing Tax Credit allocations beginning in 2026. It also permanently lowered the private-activity bond financing threshold—commonly known as the 50% test—to 25% for qualifying developments financed with bonds issued after December 31, 2025.

Both provisions had long been among NALHFA’s highest legislative priorities. Increasing Housing Credit resources and lowering the bond threshold will help state and local housing finance agencies support more affordable rental homes while making limited private-activity bond authority go further.

The victory demonstrated the impact of sustained advocacy, bipartisan relationship-building, and a unified affordable housing community working to ensure that proven housing finance tools can better meet the needs of communities nationwide.

Historic Legislative Milestone

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: 2026

In July 2026, NALHFA celebrated another historic legislative achievement as the 21st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream—or ROAD to Housing—Act became law following overwhelmingly bipartisan votes in Congress.

NALHFA served as a leading advocate for the legislation, which represented the most comprehensive bipartisan affordable housing package enacted in decades. The law modernized and strengthened multiple federal programs supporting the development, preservation, and financing of affordable housing across the country.

The legislation included meaningful reforms designed to help local housing finance agencies serve their communities more effectively by modernizing key programs, streamlining project delivery, improving access to affordable housing resources, and reducing unnecessary barriers to development.

“The enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act marks a historic milestone for affordable housing and the local housing finance agencies that work every day to expand housing opportunities in communities across the country.”
— Jonathan Paine, Executive Director of NALHFA

The law reflected years of education, testimony, coalition-building, and engagement with lawmakers. Its enactment reinforced NALHFA’s role as a trusted national advocate capable of translating local housing expertise into meaningful federal policy.

A Catalyst for What’s Next

Today, NALHFA is more than a representative body. It is a catalyst for advancing affordable housing nationwide.

Through expert advocacy, specialized education, and a powerful industry network, NALHFA equips members to navigate complex policy and financing environments and deliver meaningful community impact.

As housing challenges evolve, NALHFA remains committed to ensuring local expertise informs national policy and housing finance professionals have the support they need to succeed.

Be Part of the Next Chapter

NALHFA’s history is built on the leadership and collaboration of professionals across the country.

Join our network and help shape the future of affordable housing.

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