Training

Training specific to the development and operations of affordable housing is important to developers, syndicators, property managers, compliance specialists and asset managers. Some State HFAs and syndicators may require annual continuing education by property operators. Curricula vary in relevance, with the following priorities for different target audiences:

Developers: topics broadly aimed at housing tax credit financing, deal structuring and impact of different subsidy programs; other credit financing such as new markets and historic; design and construction issues; energy efficiency.

Property managers, asset managers and compliance specialists: certification by nationally recognized Section 42 program compliance trainers; integration of program restrictions imposed by other affordable housing subsidy programs, such as HOME, Rural Development, HUD loans and rent assistance; certified occupancy specialist; HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and applicable state and local housing codes; rental property and financial operations; fair housing and rental marketing.

Training programs have proliferated and include sources which focus on:

nationally recognized Section 42 compliance certification, such as Spectrum Seminars and A.J. Johnson Consulting Services.

asset and property management, such as Consortium for Housing and Asset Management (CHAM) and Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).

project financing and subsidy programs, such as Institute for Professional and Executive Development (IPED).

broad affordable housing policy and operations, provided by many trade groups and mission-oriented organizations including NASLEF.

local priorities, such as State HFAs, property manager trade groups and syndicators.