TALHFA Talk Winter 2020-2021

Texas Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies
TALHFA
Talk
Winter 2020 - 2021

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A Note from the 2020 President
Trump Signs Bills for Housing
Welcome 2021 Board of Directors
TALHFA Lifetime Achievement Award - A Legend Honored
Member of the Year 2020
Save the Date
Working with Local Partners - Arlington HFC
Special Achievement by an Organization
28th Annual TALHFA Educational Conference
Housing Option Explored
DMA Companies Supporting Scholarships
Get Involved with your Organization
Welcome New Members
New Member Spotlights
Partnering with TALHFA is a Wise Investment
Todd's Corner
Winter 2020 - 2021 TALHFA
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Our Mission
To provide support and leadership
for our members as they make
quality affordable homes available for
Texans.
Our Vision
Quality Housing for Every
Texan
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2021
TALHFA board of directors
President
Andrea Shields
Travis County HFC
1st Vice President
David Southern
Northwest Central Texas HFC
2nd Vice President
Diana McIver
DMA Development Company, LLC
Treasurer
Robert Coleman
Raymond James
A Note From The 2020 President
Dear TALHFA Members:
Webster declared “Pandemic” the word of the year
for 2020. Hopefully, vaccine and (residential) development,
jobs, not eviction, will be among the words up for
debate for 2021. As we close out 2020, Tarrant County
and most Urban Counties in Texas are facing medical,
rental/mortgage evictions, job loss and lastly, mental
health crises. The number of mentally ill individuals in
our jail has grown substantially since April. The number
of homeless with COVID continues to climb.
Secretary
Rick Sheffield
Rowlett HFC
Immediate Past President
Patricia Ward
Tarrant County HFC
Pamela M. Black
Bank of Texas
Dave Clark
NORTEX HFC
Shari Flynn
Lubbock HFC
Melinda Frazer
Portfolio Residential Services
Jill Miller
Odessa HFC
Jim Shaw
Capital Area HFC
Jeff Spicer
Dominium
We will get through this pandemic together. Housing trends for 2021 include a
jump in housing prices. COVID has created a less than stellar market. Six million
mortgage and rental evictions have taken a toll on the market overall. We will
rebuild our inventory and jump start our economy and TALHFA will be on the
front line with housing finance professionals and local HFCs leading the way.
As we move forward in our varied communities, TALHFA leadership continues
to bring our industry together on behalf of the membership in Washington and
in Austin. This upcoming year will be a wild ride with a new Administration,
State Budget woes, and homes to be built. Just think, Texas could even generate
close to $1.2 billion in new revenue from marijuana tax dollars, should the
State Legislature allow.
Before I sign off, I would like to send a personal note to Ron Williams, Executive
Director of Southeast Texas HFC. SETH works across 20 Governmental Jurisdictions
to provide affordable housing to Texans. Ron will be the first to receive
TALHFA’s “Lifetime Achievement Award”.
Thank you, Ron for your leadership, humor and knowledge. You have a left a
strong legacy for future generations of local housing financiers and community
developers. See you and the membership down the road in 2021. Remember
we build homes, not just bricks and mortar.
Sincerely,
Ron Williams
Southeast Texas HFC
Mindy Cochran
Arlington HFC
Patricia Ward
TALHFA President
Ex-Officio
Michael Carr
Panhandle Regional HFC
Winter 2020 - 2021 TALHFA
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Trump Signs Bills Including 4% LIHTC Floor, NMTC
Extension, Emergency Rental Assistance
WASHINGTON–Dec. 28, 2020–President Donald J. Trump
signed fiscal year 2021 spending legislation Sunday that
includes a permanent minimum 4% low-income housing
tax credit (LIHTC), a five-year extension of the new
markets tax credit (NMTC) and extensions of renewable
energy tax credits. The $1.4 trillion omnibus fiscal year
spending legislation includes a $1.2 billion allocation of
non-COVID disaster LIHTCs for 11 states and Puerto Rico,
a one-year extension of the renewable energy production
tax credit (PTC) at 60% of its original amount and a twoyear
extension of the renewable energy tax investment
tax credit (ITC) at a 26% rate. The NMTC is now authorized
through 2025. Trump also signed a COVID-19 relief bill
that includes $25 billion in emergency rental assistance
and an extension of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s federal eviction moratorium through Jan.
31, 2021.
Novogradac’s Mark Shelburne wrote a Notes from Novogradac blog post about who qualifies for the $25 billion in emergency
rental assistance and how it can be used. Peter Lawrence wrote an earlier blog post that highlighted the tax provisions of the
year-end legislation.
The 4% LIHTC floor, the effect of the emergency rental assistance and the extension of the eviction moratorium will be a focus of
the Novogradac 2021 RAD Public Housing Virtual Conference, Jan. 14-15, 2021, and the extension of the NMTC will be covered
during the Novogradac 2021 New Markets Tax Credit Virtual Conference, Jan. 21-22, 2021.
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TALHFA Board Members Elected to
Serve Membership in 2021
TALHFA’s voting members cast their ballots this Fall to fill 6 positions on the 2021 TALHFA Board of Directors. Membership voted
for one new board member and re-elected five current board members. The recently elected Board Members will serve a threeyear
term beginning January 2021.
These current TALHFA Board members were re-elected to serve an additional three-year term:
Pamela Black
Bank of Texas
Robert Coleman
Raymond James
Jeff Spicer
Dominium
Jim Shaw
Capital Area HFC
Melinda Frazer
Portfolio Resident Services
Please welcome Mindy Cochran as a newly elected board member and Michael Carr as a newly appointed Ex Officio member:
Mindy Cochran
Arlington HFC
Michael Carr
Panhandle Regional HFC
TALHFA Officers have been appointed by the Board of Directors and will serve you in 2021:
Andrea Shields
President
David Southern
1st VP
Diana McIver
2nd VP
Robert Coleman
Treasurer
Rick Sheffield
Secretary
Winter 2020 - 2021 TALHFA
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TALHFA Lifetime Achievement Award -
A Legend Honored
Ron retired from SETH at the end of 2020 and in recognition
of Ron’s contributions to TALHFA’s success, he
was honored with the first Lifetime Achievement Award
presented by Diana McIver and Todd Kercheval at his
retirement party.
In 1996 Ron Williams joined Southeast Texas Housing
Finance Corp. and in 2001 was named Executive Director.
Though he is now retired, he remains a role model
for housing advocacy nationwide. Ron’s wisdom and
expertise has been invaluable in working through many
housing issues.
He has always been one of TALHFA's biggest cheerleaders
and under his leadership, SETH has always been there as a
financial benefactor, setting a high bar for membership in
our organization. Ron has served on the Board of Directors
of TALHFA, NALHFA and Texas Association of Affordable
Housing Provider (TAAHP), serving as President of all three organizations.
Ron currently serves as a board member of Project Joy & Hope in Pasadena and has been a member with them for 21 years. PJH
provides housing and other resources for the families of medically fragile children who have traveled to Houston seeking medical
care. In recognition of his dedication, PJH recently named a home “Ron’s Roost”. Ron also serves as President for the Bayview
Municipal Utility District in Galveston County, an area often targeted by hurricanes.
Ron will be missed by many, but maybe none more so than his staff and Board. His co-worker of 20+ years Phyllis Constance says,
“I’m very thankful I have learned so much from Ron about the
housing industry.” Rhonda Mitchell, Director of Single Family
Programs, was a loan officer dependent on SETH’s DPA programs.
She laughs and says, “SETH programs used to help me get business
and now programs ARE my business. I will always be grateful for
Ron’s direction for my career.” Nell Turk has been Ron’s assistant
for 20 years and reminisces, “Twenty years have flown by learning
from “The Master!”
TALHFA is indeed fortunate to have Ron's leadership over the
years and for that he is a deserving recipient of our first Lifetime
Achievement Award.
We all wish him a Happy Retirement and many hours fishing and
enjoying Galveston Bay!!
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2020 TALHFA Member of the Year
Award goes to …..
Ryan Bowen Principal, Chapman and Cutler LLP
Ryan Bowen won 2020 TALHFA Member of the Year
due to his undying dedication to the Issuers of Housing
transactions. Ryan serves as Bond Counsel to at least
three Issuers and as Borrower/Underwriter Counsel for
other Issuers that are members of TALHFA. He reviewed
and created training concerning the EMMA Disclosure
concerns when the IRS decided to review the records of
municipal issuers.
Ryan prepared training materials and presented that
information to TALHFA members as well as NALHA members
during panel discussions. Ryan is open to discussing
how transaction work with all parties on bond issuances
and represents TALHFA well in many venues.
Congrats Ryan!
Winter 2020 - 2021 TALHFA
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Save The Date
The following events are also listed on TALHFA.org and include links to specific information on each. Please check our
website calendar often. We will update when dates are added or cancelled.
February
11 TDHCA Board Meeting - Austin
28 TALHFA Celebrates 32 Years of Service!!
March
11 TDHCA Board Meeting - Austin
April
8 TDHCA Board Meeting - Austin
22-23 Novogradac 2021 Opportunity Zones Conference - Long Beach
29-30 Novogradac 2021 Affordable Housing Conference - San Francisco
May
12-15 NALHFA 2021 Annual Conference - Tampa
13 TDHCA Board Meeting - Austin
Winter 2020 - 2021 TALHFA
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Working with Local Partners
Affordable Housing Group Powers $21M+ Renovation to
Arlington Affordable Housing Property
The Paddock on Park Row Apartments, an affordable housing
property in Arlington, is now leasing after undergoing
extensive upgrades, the product of an innovative partnership
between Lincoln Avenue Capital and the Arlington
Housing Finance Corporation that has already begun to
impact lives.
The project was approved for a 4% tax credit and was
structured as a ground lease between Lincoln Avenue Capital
(LAC)—one of the nation’s fastest growing affordable
housing organizations—and the Arlington Housing Finance
Corporation (AHFC). Citibank acted as a direct buyer of
the tax-exempt bonds and Boston Financial worked as the
deal’s tax credit equity limited partner.
A mission-driven organization that invests in communities,
Lincoln Avenue Capital determined that the 350-unit Paddock on Park Row would require significant upgrades. They worked
closely with the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation, Arlington City Council, and local neighborhood groups to define the
scope of an extensive set of renovations.
Beginning in January 2020, Lincoln Avenue Capital invested more than $21 million into accessibility and sustainability upgrades
to the property. Exterior and common area improvements include new property siding, painting, roofing, solar panels, windows,
landscaping, site lighting, a new playground, and enhanced site accessibility. All units at Paddock on Park Row are being upgraded
with new flooring, cabinets and countertops, appliances, 100 percent LED lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures, bath accessories,
and energy-efficient HVAC systems. The renovations included bringing 18 units into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act.
In addition to its partnership with the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation, Lincoln Avenue Capital brokered relationships with
local nonprofit organizations like Mission Arlington and the Heart of Arlington Neighborhood Association (HANA) to provide critical
services to Paddock residents and to bring the renovations to life. Mission Arlington is a local service provider deeply woven into
the fabric of the community, and HANA aims to build strong neighborhoods and to facilitate communication with the city and UT
Arlington about issues affecting residents and businesses.
Like many communities across the country, Arlington is
experiencing a lack of affordable housing. The Fort Worth
Housing Solutions’ North Texas Regional Housing Assessment
cited a lack of affordable housing and investment
in neighborhoods as significant challenges within the
Arlington-Fort Worth communities.
The Arlington Housing Finance Corporation was integral
to Lincoln Avenue Capital’s efforts to expand this mission
to the Arlington-Fort Worth region. Founded by the city
of Arlington in 1991, the Corporation provides a means
to finance the cost of residential ownership and develop-
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ment that will provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing
at affordable prices for Arlington residents.
The Paddock on Park Row acquisition was the first bond
deal of its kind in Arlington. Lincoln Avenue Capital and the
Arlington Housing Finance Corporation hope their partnership
can serve as an example for future public-private
efforts to expand affordable housing stock—and ultimately
improve lives—in Arlington.
To learn more about Lincoln Avenue Capital, please visit
https://lincolnavecap.com/
To learn more about the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation,
please visit https://www.arlingtontx.gov/city_hall/
departments/housing_authority
Winter 2020 - 2021 TALHFA
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2020 TALHFA Special Achievement by an
Organization Award goes to …..
Portfolio Resident Services
Covid-19 Urgent Assistance
COVID-19 RENTAL ASSISTANCE Program
Total Assistance Provided $196,000
• Provided Approx. $35,000 in rental assistance for the Houston area
• Provided Approx. $78,000 in rental assistance for the Dallas/Fort Worth area
• Provided Approx. $83,000 in rental assistance for the San Antonio, Austin and Remote areas
Beginning on April 1, 2020, PRS intensified efforts of Rent and
Food Assistance Programs by collaborating with over 22 regional
food banks, more than 600 Community Partners and volunteers,
including the National Guard and First Responders, to provide
emergency relief for Residents. Particularly for Families and Seniors
residing in Affordable Housing Multi- Family Communities.
The goal was to help meet basic needs during a pandemic for
approximately 250 Affordable Housing Apartment Communities
in Texas by ensuring nutritional and housing stability of many
families and senior citizens during a national crisis will shore up
the rocky foundations upon which many of these residents exist.
COVID-19 FOOD ASSISTANCE Program
• Incorporated drive-by pickup, door-to-door delivery, indoor
and outdoor popup food pantries
• Approx. $1.4 million in Food Assistance
• Over 600 community partners and volunteers (including the
National Guard and First Responders)
• Assisted residents of all ages
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28th Annual TALHFA Educational Conference
Virtual
We did it! While we never imagined going virtual for
our Annual Conference, we are happy to have made
it happen. Our conferences are always a great collaboration
of experience, best practices, education,
and friendship. And while we were not able to achieve
most of those things virtually, we hope that you
walked away with relevant and applicable knowledge.
Speakers, we appreciate the generosity with which
you shared your time and expertise, making this a
valuable event for all our attendees. The topics were
appropriately timed for a quick download of information
so that you can get back to your busy day. Go to
our website to find the downloadable presentations:
https://talhfa.org/events/#2020-talhfa-educationalconference/#agenda
We would never be able to provide such a wonderful conference each year without the financial support from our Keys to Success
– our supporters. We are all so grateful for their continued financial support of our programs and their willingness to provide
their expertise for the educational sessions, as well.
Thank you ALL for your interest and participation!
Winter 2020 - 2021 TALHFA
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Housing Option Explored
The Rowlett City Council recently amended its comprehensive plan to allow for a multi-family tax-credit development located on
the northeast corner of Old Rowlett Road and Big A Road.
In March, the council issued a resolution of no objection back for the tax credit development. Then in July, the Planning and Zoning
Commission voted to recommend denial of the rezoning of the development. The main concern presented by staff and the
commission was not wanting to lose access to office space. Recently, the developer has reassured those opposing views and has
included office facilities into the new design. According to Executive Director of Rowlett Housing Finance Corporation Rick Sheffield,
the new plan has lowered the space down to 234 units and has 30,000 square feet reserved for neighborhood office space.
The target audience for the development is for residents who make between $35,000-$60,000 a year.
“We wanted to keep the office space in there to satisfy the city and provide housing for working tax payers who are living paycheck
to paycheck because they’re being priced out of the housing market,” Sheffield said. According to Sheffield, the big benefit is it
increases the critical mass in that area and will hopefully kick start some of the office coming back. During the COVID-19 pandemic,
the landscape of office has changed with more people working at home.
“We think this would be a good catalyst for beginning to bring some (housing) into the area. We are getting housing for folks who cut
your hair, cook your food, teach your children,” Sheffield said. “This is for lower level government employees and first responders
that start out below $60,000 and provide housing for them. It provides workers for businesses coming in that need that kind of labor.”
The developer has actively participated with the city of Rowlett during its infrastructure planning and has budgeted over $520,000
for improvements to Big A Road and Old Rowlett. It is planned that improvements to Big A Road would consist of 1,100 feet roadway
that would be demolished and replaced and a 12-inch water main along West Old Rowlett Road. This would connect the 12-inch
stub located in Old Rowlett Road with the 80-inch main that runs along Big A Road. Along with improvements to the water main
connection, 550 feet of new water will be installed in Old Rowlett Road. The units and office space is used to allow affordable
housing and to bring in business to the Rowlett area.
“People that now have housing they can afford, they have more disposable income, they can eat in the Rowlett restaurants and
buy things in the Rowlett stores, and contribute to sales tax and the economy locally,” Sheffield said. Housing prices have increased
40% versus income increasing close to 12-13% since 2008 according to the National Association of Realtors.
“In 2019 citizens, when we updated the comprehensive plan, which was something noted in there in the public form, they wanted
more diverse and affordable housing options, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” Sheffield said.
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DMA Companies Supporting Scholarships
While continuing to make strides in the affordable housing industry to improve and enrich the lives of many people across the
state of Texas, DMA Companies also takes pride in heavily promoting a number of scholarship programs, both internal and statewide,
that residents can participate in to financially assist in their continuing education efforts. DMA Companies is pleased to
announce the following awardees for 2019 and 2020:
2019 Camile Pahwa Scholarship & 2020 TAAHP Scholarship Recipient
Myat May, Aldrich 51, Austin, TX
Myat May attends the University of Texas at Austin for their MS in Finance
program. She holds an undergraduate degree in medical humanities
which she completed in 3 years and with a 3.7 GPA. She intends to
become a healthcare administrator, motivated in part by her firsthand
experience watching her mother navigate the health care system with
chronic mental health issues and wanting to end the cycle of poverty
in her family. Myat has held many mentor and volunteer positions
through UTSA and beyond including UT Health Refugee Clinic, Volunteer
Healthcare Clinic and the International Rescue Committee. Last summer
she was an administrative intern for the Lippo Group in Myanmar,
which resulted in an Archer Fellowship position and an internship at the
White House Office of Cabinet Affairs where she had a hands-on role in
a healthcare research project. In her free time, she enjoys playing badminton and painting sneakers as her form of stress relief.
2019, 2020 Camile Pahwa Scholarship & 2020 TAAHP Scholarship Recipient
Jorgann Holgersen, Bluestone Apartments, Mabank, TX
Jorgann Holgersen is currently a sophomore attending Texas Tech University. She has completed her first year at Texas Tech
University with the ultimate goal to be a trauma surgeon. Jorgann is certified Emergency Medical Technician, certified in CPR
and First Aid and had completed 36 hours of college credits while attending high school. Jorgann finished her first year at Texas
Tech with a 3.5 GPA. In addition to her studies, she volunteers as a Peer Educator for the Texas Tech RISE office, which is affiliated
with the American Medical Association, and provides risk intervention and safety education to fellow students. Her prior
extracurricular activities are many and include 4 years of concert and marching band, technical and production theater, National
Honor Society, the Spanish Club, and Principal’s Council and Theater Club. She has logged over 300 volunteer hours through the
National Honor Society.
2020 Camile Pahwa Scholarship Recipient
Melissa Selinas, Mariposa Gardens, Mathis, TX
Melissa Selinas recently received her Associates of Science degree
from Coastal Bend College in Beeville, TX. She is returning to college
to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse, which has been her goal since
she first applied for the Camile Pahwa Scholarship program in 2018.
All the while, Melissa has also been working at Mathis Elementary
School in an afterschool program for the past 3 years until closures
due to COVID. She also recently started a part time position at a local
Dollar General. Coming as no surprise, Melissa continues to maintain
consistent involvement in extracurricular and volunteer activities.
Further, she even obtained college credits while in high school.
We extend our sincerest congratulations to these deserving awardees
and wish them many successes in all of their future endeavors!
Winter 2020 - 2021 TALHFA
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To Get More Out of YOUR Association …
GET INVOLVED!
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Make change happen! Getting involved
with membership organizations,
such as TALHFA, is essential
in the success of your professional
development, creating valuable partnerships
and is truly the best way for
progression in the Affordable Housing
industry.
Have you ever pondered…? “Why
did they select that topic for the
conference?” or “I think the Awards
Committee could use better criteria
when selecting the winners.” Perhaps
you have even thought, “What am I
getting out of my membership?” Your
ideas are relevant, and your engagement
is key to our success.
What is engagement? The more connected
we are to something, the more
we love it. We develop memories surrounding
the people, the experiences, and the things we learn. We’re most attached to the groups or organizations that we’re
most involved in.
The easiest way to start your journey of engagement is to join a committee. Work closely with a small group of successful individuals
and we assure you, you’ll make a friend and a colleague.
See the different committees below. When renewing or submitting your new application for membership, select which option
(or options) suit your skills the best.
Need to know more? We are happy to help!
Membership Committee - The purpose of the Membership Committee is to identify strategies to increase membership and to
serve TALHFA members in the best possible way. Committee members help to identify potential members and suggest marketing
strategies & materials. Committee members also help to identify possible benefits and new services for TALHFA members.
Conference Planning Committee - The Conference Planning Committee helps to identify topics, speakers, events, exhibits and
sponsorships for the annual event. The committee is responsible for increasing attendance and sponsorship. If necessary, the
committee members may be asked to provide assistance during the conference.
Legislative Committee - The Legislative Committee members work with the membership on legislative issues to define TALHFA’s
position on those issues. The committee members are often asked to make Capitol visits to communicate information about
TALHFA and our membership. All TALHFA Board members are on this committee in addition to any other volunteer members.
The Chair of this committee is automatically the 2nd Vice President.
Nominating Committee - The nominating committee meets to identify the slate of candidates for the Board of Directors Election
each year. Additionally, the committee meets to determine a recommended slate of officers for the Board each January. The
Chair of this committee is automatically the most recent Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors.
Awards Committee - The Awards Committee meets to establish the categories, process, and criteria for TALHFA Achievement
Awards. They also evaluate the award submissions and select the recipients for each of the Annual TALHFA Awards.

Welcome New Members
We are thrilled to welcome 32 new members to TALHFA!
Simmons Legal PLLC
Camisha Simmons
Arlington HFC
Andrew Piel
Borhan Uddin
Ignacio Nunez
Marvin Sutton
Scott Hobohm
Victoria Farrar-Myers
The Banks Law Firm, P.A.
Antoinette "Toni" Jackson
Redbud Realty Partners LLC
Rainer Andrews
eHousingPlus
Lorena Hernandez
Paloma Miranda
Sheryl Krocek
Shanna March
Garland HFC
David Gibbons
Genai Walker-Macklin
Peter Romanyak
Rowlett HFC
Debby Bobbitt
Cameron County HFC
Ismael Hinojosa
Dallas HFC
Kyle Hines
Eric Ochel
Marcy Helfand
Brad Nitschke
Ryan Garcia
Benard Miraglia
Joshua Vernon
Mathew Marchant
Shan Zidi
Beatrice Aba Martinez
Dr. Jesseca Lightbourne
Robin L. O’Neal
David Ellis
Tatania Farrow
Winter 2020 - 2021 TALHFA
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New Member Spotlights
Camisha Simmons Simmons Legal PLLC Founder
I am the founder of Simmons Legal PLLC, a certified woman-owned, certified minority-owned and
certified veteran-owned law practice based in Dallas, Texas. I founded the firm after practicing in
New York and Dallas for close to 8 years as an attorney with the global law firms of Weil, Gotshal &
Manges LLP, DLA Piper and Norton Rose Fulbright (formerly Fulbright & Jaworski LLP).
I have significant experience representing non-profit companies, for-profit companies, and political
subdivisions of the State of Texas in, among other legal matters, affordable housing real estate matters,
general corporate matters, corporate restructuring and creditors’ rights, and litigation.
I am honored and extremely fortunate to have received various industry recognitions for my legal
work and contributions during my career. In 2020 and 2019, The National Black Lawyers recognized
me on its list of the top 100 African American attorneys in Texas, The National Black Lawyers Top 100
and a Top 40 Under 40 attorney in a previous year. In 2018, I was grateful to be selected by the Texas
Diversity Council as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Dallas. And, in 2013, I was blessed to be
named by the Texas Lawyer as one of Texas’s up-and-coming 25 Legal Leaders on the Rise. SuperLawyers®, a Thomson Reuters rating
service, upon consideration of the nomination of my peers, has named me a Texas Rising Star and a New York Metro Rising Star.
I hold a J.D., magna cum laude and an M.B.A. from Texas Tech University, an M.Ed. from the University of Maryland, College Park
and a B.B.A. from Campbell University. Prior to my legal career, I served on active duty in the United States Army.
Debby Bobbitt Rowlett HFC Director
Debby has been a resident of Rowlett since 1996 and has been extremely active in the community. She has
been married to her husband, Michael for 40 years; they enjoy their lives with their six grandchildren. Debby
attended Eastfield and Richland Community Colleges. She received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from
Dallas Baptist University.
Debby is a former Rowlett City Council member, serving from 2013-2019. She has served on many boards
for the city including the Environmental Services Board, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Tree
Preservation Board, the City Bond election, as well as on the Art and Design Committee for the DART Rail
Station in Rowlett. Debby also served as a Liaison on the Charter Review Commission and Library Boards.
Debby is proud to be a member of the Rowlett Lions Club, a past member of the Chamber of Commerce and
served as the Co-Chair for the Ambassadors. She served on the Board of the Habitat for Humanity for Garland for 2 years. She
loves working in the public sector and finds it a wonderful way to give back to the citizens of Rowlett.
Debby was also an active participant and Treasurer with TEX-21, and has graduated from North Texas Leadership, as well as Rowlett
Leadership Academy. Debby is also a current Member of the FBI Citizens Academy for the Dallas Area and the Legislative Board
of the North Texas Crime Commission.
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New Member Spotlights
David W. Gibbons Garland HFC Executive Director
While I am new to the affordable housing industry, I spent more than 30 years of my professional
career with CCMC Community Management focusing on the creation and day to day operation of
large-scale master planned communities throughout the United States. I was fortunate to work
with many nationally recognized developers such as Disney, St. Joe, Del Webb, Newland Communities,
Pulte Homes and many others in building community to bring people together where
they live, and create experiences that connect them to their community and neighbors.
For the past four years, I have had the honor to serve as a member of the Garland City Council.
That experience provided me unique insights not only into understanding municipal government
operations, but also exposed me to the unique needs of affordable housing in our city.
Today as the newly appointed Executive Director of Garland Housing Finance Corporation, I am
excited to use my past development knowledge combined with my governmental experience
to support our Board of Directors as we collectively move forward to serve our neighbors in Garland, who not only need, but
deserve, safe, sustainable affordable housing.
Antoinette M. (“Toni”) Jackson The Banks Law Firm Principal
Antoinette M. (“Toni”) Jackson is a principal with The Banks Law Firm practicing in the area of
affordable housing financing. Toni’s practice has been the perfect marriage of practicing law
and serving the community. Ms. Jackson focuses her practice in mixed-finance transactions
which include LIHTC and new markets tax credits, FHA financing, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
platforms and other public funding sources. Toni also works on tax exempt bond transactions and
transactions utilizing disaster recovery funding as well as the most recent community development
financing tool utilizing Opportunity Zones. Additionally, she serves as special counsel to
public housing authorities assisting with the redevelopment of public housing portfolios. Ms.
Jackson is a former Chair of the Governing Committee of the American Bar Association Forum
on Affordable Housing and Community Development Law and Past President of the Texas Affiliation
of Affordable Housing Providers (“TAAHP”). In July 2018, Toni was awarded the Jean
MacDonald Lifetime Achievement in Housing by TAAHP. She was also received the Carl Umland
Humanitarian Award from Houston Habitat for Humanity for her advocacy work in housing.
Ms. Jackson is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia and Thurgood Marshall School of Law Texas Southern University.
Dr. Ignacio Núñez M.D. Arlington HFC Board Member
As a City Council member, I represent District 5 which includes downtown Arlington, The University
of Texas at Arlington, Central Library, General Motors, and some our most racially diverse and economically
challenged citizens. Much of our housing inventory in my district was built in the 1950s and
60s. I volunteered to lead the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation and have discovered another
way to give back to those citizens who gave me so much during my years of active medical practice.
I retired from Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2018. My experiences of owning commercial real estate,
helping manage a large independent regional medical practice, chairing the board of a large
hospital, leading a hospital medical staff, leading a large physician organization for Texas Health
Resources, serving on this hospital system’s strategy committee, board of trustees, and my experiences
as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner have taught me skills that I now apply in a different
arena of public service.
Winter 2020 - 2021 TALHFA
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Partnering with TALHFA is a Wise Investment
Your membership is a partnership with TALHFA and your fellow members. You are invested
in Affordable Housing for Texans. You make a difference in the lives of many families in your
community. TALHFA membership allows you to share your news and challenges with industry
experts. Help us identify key issues for you and your business. Let us help you grow and
promote your company/association. Attend the 2021 Annual TALHFA Educational Conference
in Round Rock for sessions and workshop trainings that will keep you motivated and
inspired. TALHFA needs your support to help achieve our mutual goals.
2021 looks to be another challenging year for Affordable Housing. Membership in TALHFA is
the key to staying informed regarding Affordable Housing legislative issues in Texas. We have
a considerable amount of work to do during the 87th Legislative Session. TALHFA Members
will receive email Legislative Alerts on key issues as they occur. We’ll ask a number of members
from across the state to join us, especially if we are meeting with a legislative office
in your district. You’ll be notified immediately of hearings on housing issues. Plan to attend and establish a coalition. No other
association can provide the networking and educational opportunities from a LOCAL perspective. TALHFA is working diligently
for YOU and your local programs at the Texas Capitol. TALHFA is here to serve you.
Membership & Sponsorship renewal packets were sent out the end of December. Please plan to renew and urge your business/
association partners to become new members as well.
If you are not a TALHFA member, please consider joining in 2021. Go to Talhfa.org today for membership/sponsorship forms and
a secure online payment option. The stronger our membership – the louder our voice. Your membership helps strengthen YOUR
association and YOUR communities. We sincerely appreciate your participation!
Please invest in LOCAL housing in Texas and in YOUR Association.
Page 22 Winter 2020 - 2021
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Todd's Corner
January 12, 2021 was the beginning of a very different legislative session.
Uncertainty around politics is fairly common, but never have we had to
ponder how we will be allowed to participate in the legislative process.
This is yet another unexpected consequence of COVID-19. Just like each
of you, the members of the Texas House and Senate want to keep themselves
and all of us safe from illness during the upcoming session. That
most likely means limiting the number of people in the Capital for part
or even all of the legislative session. Though it is not ideal, it is the best
thing! As many of you already know, the only piece of legislative business
that must get done, the budget. The framers of the Texas Constitution
understood that the budget serves as a road map to state government
and mandated that it must be balanced every two years. With the financial
impacts created by the pandemic, I think the budget alone will be a
tall task for the members this time. That will be the most important, but
not the only thing done this session. The House elected a new Speaker, Representative Dade Phelan of Orange, Texas.
On the bright side, TALHFA has worked hard, with great effectiveness, to educate and inform the members of the legislature on
all aspects of the affordable housing industry. Last session, through the leadership of Jeanne and the Board, TALHFA was successful
in passing legislation that updated and streamlined the Bond program that is so vital for the funding of our housing developments
around the state. Achievements like this are not done alone, it was the result of picking and working with great partners
that have similar interest. The sessions and subjects will continue to change, but the partnerships and alliances we make along
the way will determine our success.
EvE r yo n E dEsEr vE s a quality placE to livE.
For more than 25 years, LDG Development has focused on providing high quality affordable
housing. The company was founded with the belief that everyone deserves a quality place to
live. This has resulted in the development of close to 14,000 units of affordable housing for
working families and seniors in dozens of communities across the
country. Today, as one of the nation’s largest developer’s of affordable
housing, we are still guided by this
simple philosophy and remain committed
to providing quality housing our
residents are proud to call home. www.ldgdevelopment.com
Winter 2020 - 2021 TALHFA
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11615 Angus Rd.
Suite 103
Austin, TX 78759-4006
Contact TALHFA Talk Staff for content and
advertising inquiries:
Jeanne@TALHFA.org
(512) 241-1657 ph
For Membership Information and Sponsorship
Opportunities please go to: www.TALHFA.org
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