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September 27, 2024
Use It Or Lose It: Ensuring The Creation Of Affordable Housing Through Volume Cap

Originally published on Forbes Business Councils by Seth Gellis, President of CPP.

With the continued urgent need for more affordable housing across the country, industry experts and academics are looking for solutions, whether they involve preserving existing communities nationwide or creating additional units where they are needed most.

According to a recent study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is a shortage of 7.3 million available affordable rental homes for the lowest-income renters in the U.S. While it’s a complex issue, one overlooked path to financing is the option to increase the use of private activity bonds (PABs), which pair with 4% low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs).

Private Activity Bonds And Volume Cap

Volume cap, a “use it or lose it” resource provided by the federal government to the states based on a per capita formula, allows tax-exempt financing to be issued for affordable housing at a lower interest rate. The lower interest rates offset the lower net operating income that debt is sized from as a tool to help keep project sources and uses in balance. This ensures a greater level of capitalization, reducing the need for other sources and increasing the funding available for construction activity.

This important resource is allocated and awarded by state finance agencies, some of which unfortunately do not use all the resources made available to them. This means that if a state agency has unused volume cap and a deal is unable to make it through the funding cycle for that state in a timely manner, the resource and accompanying economic and social benefits are lost for good.

So, what can affordable housing professionals and organizations do to ensure the volume cap does not go to waste or to use it in the most efficient manner possible?

One solution is to work with local bond issuers and agencies that support them.

Benefits Of Working With A Local Issuer

Local bond issuers play a major role in identifying the projects most impactful for their community and often can reduce the overburdened load that housing agency staff must deal with.

1. Efficiency And Speed Of Execution

At my company, we find that an average deal may take nine months to close, plus an additional year to complete the development or preservation of the property (with a few more months of time tagged on for an IRS Form 8609 to be issued). We consider that a quick turnaround. But when entities do not use a local issuer for the deal, the acquisition or renovation timeline can extend for an additional one and a half to two years—sometimes making the deal untenable.

2. Accelerated Capital Investment Into Communities—When and Where They Need It

Across the U.S., many affordable properties are in immediate need of preservation; and many of these deals use LIHTC as a part of their financing. Completing these deals as quickly as possible is integral to reducing the loss of affordable units and preserving options for communities.

According to a 2024 report from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS), there was a loss of 2.1 million units with rents below the maximum amount affordable for the lowest income group since 2012. While creating new affordable housing units is a part of the solution, new construction alone won't be able to keep up with the need, especially if communities are losing more units than are being created.

I've found that when local leaders, community advocates, developers, lenders and agencies can work together, it creates efficiencies and the strongest outcomes in affordable housing development and preservation. Communities should have a say in their local housing choices. Local leaders and community advocates have the best understanding of residents’ needs and where and how to invest, and good developers will listen.

3. Autonomy And Control

Working with local issuers increases the ability for local jurisdictions to control the terms and circumstances that preservation or new development must follow in addition to minimum state provided standards. When deals and terms are localized, it creates the largest impact for the community. Specific benefits may include:

• The community is empowered to decide the priorities they wish to address. Developers should foster dialogue with local housing advocates and community leaders to discuss and outline their wish list. Unsurprisingly, the goals are often the same.

• Related improvement projects (e.g., street, sewer, LEED), social service requirements, crime prevention programs, prevailing wage, are benefits that are, by and large, staying within their community (should they choose). This autonomy also relieves pressure on developers by having an equal partner in the myriad decisions.

• Locals control within the development what is done, where it’s done and who does it within the community. For example, they may have checklists or requirements (e.g., Section 3 that requires a local workforce) that directly benefit the local community and economy.

Best Practices For Working With Local Issuers

Affordable housing developers looking to finance their deals may have the opportunity to work with a local issuer to get the deal done. I recommend you keep these best practices in mind:

1. Prioritizing Organization

Just like when working with any financial partner, organization is paramount. As a developer, that means having the deal structure solidified, financial documents in place and a single point of contact for the local issuer identified. The more streamlined you can make the process, the better.

2. Taking Time To Understand The Local Community

Developers likely understand that one of the key benefits of working with a local issuer is the ability to help impact the local community in specific ways. But, for that impact to be felt in the biggest way, developers must take the time to truly understand the local community and its needs.

3. Having Early Conversations

Developers need to reach out early in the process to understand if the issuer has sufficient volume cap, and what their processes may be. Creating a relationship early makes the processing, organization and understanding of their needs much easier.

Ultimately, the ability to work with local agencies carries many benefits and can make developers and investors nimbler in their work solving the nation’s affordable housing crisis.

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August 27, 2024
CPP Announces Acquisition of Lexington Green Apartments in El Cajon, California

 CPP, a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, has announced the acquisition and planned renovation of Lexington Green Apartments, an affordable housing complex in El Cajon, Calif. CPP partnered with co-developer The Hampstead Companies on the deal. This is the second community in El Cajon for CPP, joining Park Villa Apartments.

Lexington Green Apartments is located in a primarily residential neighborhood two miles east of downtown El Cajon, which sits 17 miles east of downtown San Diego. Originally built in 1970, the property last underwent a tax credit renovation in 2007, which replaced some, but not all, original building systems. The property consists of 144 units, spread across 12 two-story residential buildings. CPP’s total development investment is approximately $80,000,000, which includes the purchase price of $52,880,000 and estimated renovation costs exceeding $80,000 per unit.

“Lexington Green Apartments aligns with one of CPP's core philosophies of strengthening cornerstone communities in the neighborhood while extending the affordability of the community,” said Evan Cramer, Assistant Development Manager at CPP. “We hope to accentuate the feeling of pride that Lexington Green's residents have for their community while providing the physical upgrades necessary to ensure the property remains a prominent piece of the community for many years to come.”

The renovation will exceed the 10% energy savings requirement from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) through the replacement of all windows with energy efficient vinyl retrofit windows, water heaters, Energy Star appliances, and energy efficient LED light fixtures.  

“At Lexington Green, incorporating green, energy-saving appliances and fixtures allows us to weave sustainability into the residents’ daily lives and helps further our goal to create a more sustainable future,” John Fraser, Vice President CPP – East.

Additional upgrades will include dryrot repairs, flooring replacement, new cabinets and countertops. ADA-complaint upgrades will be made for units and path of travel throughout the property.

CPP and The Hampstead Companies are partnering with LifeSTEPS to provide instructor-led adult educational classes including financial literacy, computer training, resume building, nutrition, exercise, parenting, and more. LifeSTEPS will also provide individualized health and wellness services and programs such as crisis intervention, practical counseling and emotional support, physical and mental health assessments.

Renovations are expected to be complete by August 2025. With CPP's involvement, the property’s previously expired affordability status will be extended until 2044 under a renewed Section-8 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract.

Additional partners on the project include the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) and California Debt Limit Allocation Committee, who issued and allocated 4% LIHTC and Tax-Exempt Bonds, WNC & Associates, and Ready Capital.

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August 6, 2024
CPP Announces Acquisition of Historic Green Hotel Apartments in Pasadena, California

CPP (Community Preservation Partners), a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, has announced the acquisition and planned renovation of Green Hotel Apartments, an affordable senior (62+) apartment complex in downtown Pasadena, Calif. This is the 15th community in the greater Los Angeles area for CPP and the 41st in the state.  

Built in the 1890s, Green Hotel Apartments is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Pasadena Historic Monument. Located at 50 E. Green Street, the 139-unit property is a seven-story mix of studio and one-bedroom units serving seniors earning between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). CPP’s total development investment is approximately $100,000,000, which includes the purchase price of $54,000,000 and an estimated per unit renovation cost of $115,000.

“Green Hotel Apartments is a unique opportunity for CPP to renovate a historic property with modern systems while carefully restoring the exterior to its original historic charm and architectural integrity,” said Seth Gellis, President at CPP. “Our experience in historic affordable housing preservation provides us with an asset which we look forward to utilizing on Green Hotel.”

CPP’s renovations will include building envelope restoration, new flooring, countertops, appliances, and lighting, and upgrades to ADA units and ADA paths of travel. Wi-Fi will be installed throughout the units. CPP plans to develop a community space to include a theater, conference rooms, business center, multipurpose room, and library. Windows and air conditioning systems will be replaced in such a way as to look like the original building.

As part of CPP’s community work, Green Hotel Apartments residents will be able to participate in on-site health, education, and employment services through a partnership with Project Access.

The property’s affordability was set to expire in July 2035. Affordability will be deepened and renewed for at least 20 more years under a renewed Section-8 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract and 55 years under the new CA Tax Credit Regulatory Agreement that will be implemented post-renovation.  

“Green Hotel Apartments is currently at 100% occupation with a full waitlist, reflecting the high demand for affordable senior housing options in the area,” said Belinda Lee, Director – Development at CPP.  “We’re pleased to preserve this historic landmark and provide much-needed housing for the Old Pasadena neighborhood.”

Partners on the project include the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) and California Debt Limit Allocation Committee, who issued 4% tax credits and bonds, California Municipal Finance Authority, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), WNC and Associates, Citibank N.A., California Bank and Trust, Belveron, and Goldrich Kest.

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July 9, 2024
CPP Announces Acquisition of Third Affordable Housing Community in Great Falls, Mont.

CPP (Community Preservation Partners), a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, has announced the acquisition and planned renovation of Elmore Roberts in Great Falls, Mont. This is CPP's third project in Great Falls, following its acquisition of Sunshine Village and Broadview Manor in 2023.  

Located at 6 6th Street S in the heart of downtown Great Falls, the property is a 60-unit family property comprised of 30 one-bedroom units and 30 two-bedroom units. CPP’s total development investment is approximately $13,200,000, which includes the purchase price of $3,150,000 and an estimated per unit renovation cost of $97,000.

Elmore Roberts was originally built in 1917 by William Roberts, who played a prominent role in the development of downtown Great Falls in the late 1800s and early 1900s. At the time of its construction, the Elmore Roberts building represented one of the city's most modern and elegant commercial and residential facilities, and included amenities such as gas and electricity, steam heating, porter and maid service, and private telephone hookups. The property, which was converted into an apartment community in 2007, is included in the National Registry of Historic Places Inventory under the National Parks Service.

“Data shows that over 40% of households in the Great Falls region are rent overburdened, and the local housing authority maintains a waitlist of more than 200 households looking for affordable options,” said Karen Buckland, Vice President, Development at CPP. “CPP is proud to play a role in revitalizing this historic Great Falls property and ensuring its affordability for the next 50 years.”

The total site renovation will address years of deferred maintenance and outdated systems, including ADA accessibility, and focus on increasing sustainability across the property. In-unit kitchen renovations will include new formaldehyde-free cabinets and countertops, Energy Star refrigerators, and updated ranges and range hoods. Units will also receive low-flow toilets, updated showerheads and faucets, LED lighting upgrades and a new coat of low-VOC paint. Following completion, the project will meet the Green Building and Energy Conservation Standards of the Montana Board of Housing.  

Exterior and community upgrades include new windows, roofing and gas furnaces. Path of travel upgrades, parking lot restripe, brick pointing, and pressure washing will also be completed. The property will receive upgrades to its laundry room and the creation of a community area with a computer room.

Non-profit partner NeighborWorks Great Falls will provide services to individuals and families who reside at Elmore Roberts. Services include rental and financial capabilities counseling, providing connections to local financial resources, and homeownership counseling.

The property’s two ModRehab contracts were set to expire in 2024, but with CPP’s involvement, a new 20-year HAP contract will be put in place. In addition, the units will be restricted at 50% of area median income (AMI) for a period of 50 years under the LIHTC program.

Renovations are expected to be completed in December 2024. Partners on the project include WNC & Associates, who purchased 9% tax credits and historic federal tax credits; Glacier Bank provided construction financing; MBOH provided a permanent loan via the Coal Trust Multifamily Homes program; Montana Healthcare Foundation provided a permanent loan (2nd position); the City of Great Falls provided TIF funds.

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June 5, 2024
CPP Announces Acquisition of Crestview Terrace in Ellensburg, Washington

CPP (Community Preservation Partners), a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, today announced the acquisition and planned renovation of Crestview Terrace, an affordable housing development in Ellensburg, Wash.  

Built in 1970, Crestview Terrace last underwent renovation in 2008, and has since experienced deferred maintenance. The development’s 168 units are spread across 76 single-story buildings, comprised of 95 one-bedroom units, 36 two-bedroom units, 26 three-bedroom units, and 9 four-bedroom units. The property is restricted to residents earning between 40% and 50% of the area median income (AMI). In addition to serving low-income individuals and families, the property serves a number of special needs groups including large families, persons with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness.

“Over 50% of the households in the Ellensburg market are rent overburdened,” said Karen Buckland, Vice President - Development at CPP. “Both the property and the local housing authority maintain an extensive waitlist, underscoring the large demand for affordable housing in the area.”

Interior upgrades will include the installation of new kitchen cabinets, countertops, LVP flooring, Energy Star refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges and hoods, sinks, faucets, low-flow toilets and showerheads, mini-split HVAC units, water heaters, ceiling fans, and LED lighting. Exterior upgrades will include window replacement, new roofing and siding, sealcoat and striping of the parking lot, landscape improvements, ADA unit conversions, and path of travel improvements, along with the addition of a dog park and community garden.

The property’s affordability status was set to expire in 25 years, but with CPP’s involvement, it will now remain affordable housing for the next 40 years.  

“The housing needs of rural areas are often overlooked, but these communities still have considerable needs for affordable housing,” said Seth Gellis, President at CPP. "In addition to serving residents, the renovation of Crestview Terrace will offer ample opportunity for local construction workers to gain employment and will likely continue to spur new investment in the local area.”

The MGP and non-profit partner, HopeSource, will be providing services to the property residents experiencing homelessness. This includes assisting families and individuals with goal setting and self-sufficiency planning, as well as connecting clients with community resources and classes to bolster skills in budgeting, money management, nutrition, home management, parenting, literacy, employment training, and childcare.

Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2024 with anticipated completion by July 2025. Each household will be temporarily relocated for 7-10 days at no cost to the tenants, after which they will return to a fully renovated apartment home.  

The deal is structured with 4% tax credits and private activity bonds, allocated and issued by Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC). The tax credits will be syndicated by Huntington National Bank. The tax-exempt permanent financing and construction financing will be provided by Citi Community Capital. Crestview Terrace will be built to the Evergreen Sustainable Building Standard and Washington State Housing Finance Commission requirements.

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May 21, 2024
CPP Announces Acquisition of Corinthian House Affordable Development in San Jose, California

CPP (Community Preservation Partners), a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, has announced the acquisition and planned renovation of Corinthian House, a senior development in southwest San Jose, Calif. This is the fourth community in the Bay Area for CPP, joining Franco Center in Stockton, and El Rancho Verde and Lenzen Square Apartments in San Jose.

Built in 1982, Corinthian House is comprised of two elevator-served, three-story buildings on 1.75 acres. Located at 250 Budd Avenue in the Campbell neighborhood of San Jose, the 102-unit development consists of studio and one-bedroom apartments designated for seniors (62+) earning between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income (AMI) or below. CPP’s total development investment is approximately $38,000,000, which includes the purchase price of $21,000,000 and an estimated per unit renovation cost of $85,000.

“San Jose and nearby Silicon Valley have a desperate need for affordable housing, specifically for the underserved senior community,” said Karen Buckland, Vice President, Development at CPP. “Revitalizing and renovating Corinthian House will extend the physical and economic life of the development, preserving its affordability for 55 years to come.”

Both exteriors and interiors will be renovated to address the effects of deferred maintenance, with the goal of bringing modernization, increased accessibility, and energy efficiency to the senior community. The development will receive new vinyl plank flooring, cabinets and countertops, modern appliances, water-saving toilets, vanities and mirrors, and energy-smart lighting throughout. Common area renovations include updates to the community room, laundry rooms, salon, and leasing and management office. The community will also receive a new fitness center. Post-renovation, Wi-Fi will be provided throughout the units at no cost to the tenants.

Corinthian House residents will be able to participate in adult education, health and wellness, and skill-building classes and services through a partnership with LifeSteps. Classes will include financial literacy, computer training, and home-buyer education aimed at seniors.

The Campbell neighborhood offers ample shopping and activities for residents of Corinthian House. The community is located a half mile from the Campbell Adult Center which offers trips, lunch options, and clubs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for adults 50+. The Winchester BART Station is located approximately a quarter mile away, and Good Samaritan Hospital, a 403-bed acute care facility, is within two miles.

The property’s Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Section 8 contract was set to expire, but with CPP’s involvement, the contract will be preserved for another 20 years.

Renovations are expected to be completed in December 2024. Partners on the project include the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC), who issued 9% low-income housing tax credits; Comerica Bank will provide the acquisition and rehabilitation loan and CitiBank will provide the permanent loan; and WNC & Associates will be providing tax credits.  

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