Key takeaways from Southeast affordable housing conferences

Walker & Dunlop’s Affordable team was on the ground at two of the Southeast’s most influential industry events this April—the Tennessee Housing Conference in Nashville (April 22–23) and the Louisiana Association of Affordable Housing Providers (LAAHP) Conference in New Orleans (April 23–24)—reinforcing our commitment to solving the housing crisis through regional insight and national reach.

These events brought together industry leaders to discuss the most pressing issues in affordable housing, from insurance dynamics to shifts in bond cap strategies. Our team was there to listen, engage, and ensure we’re aligned with the needs and concerns of developers across the Southeast.

Here are the top takeaways our team brought back.

Momentum is building across the Southeast

Both conferences drew significant attendance. Tennessee saw over 750 participants, and Louisiana welcomed over 500. This growth signals a surge of interest and collaboration in the affordable housing space across the region. Governor Bill Lee kicked off the Tennessee event with a strong endorsement of housing initiatives, setting a proactive tone that resonated throughout.

The Southeast is growing in population, policy engagement, and collaborative opportunity. Walker & Dunlop is well-positioned to help clients in the Southeast capitalize on this momentum through strategic guidance and capital solutions.

Construction realities and policy education go hand-in-hand

A key reminder from Tennessee: affordable housing isn’t cheaper to build; it becomes affordable through layered financing strategies like LIHTC, grants, and subsidies. This point, highlighted in a panel on construction challenges, reflects the pressing need to educate stakeholders and policymakers about the financial structure of affordability.

Our team brings unmatched expertise across the capital stack, including LIHTC equity, debt placement, and investment sales, ensuring our clients structure deals for both compliance and financial success.

Bond cap uncertainty is shifting developer strategy

In Louisiana, developers typically active in the 4 percent tax credit space are increasingly pivoting toward 9 percent LIHTC applications due to concerns over bond cap availability. This preemptive move highlights how market participants are adapting early to preserve deal viability.

Walker & Dunlop’s advisory platform helps clients assess when to pivot strategies based on market movement and timeline realities, such as the October 2025 award schedule for 9 percent credits.

Insurance markets bring both relief and new challenges

Developers in Louisiana shared that insurance premiums have come down slightly due to a calmer claims year and increased insurer participation. However, this relief is being offset by the enforcement of previously waived coverages like terrorism insurance.

We continue to monitor how shifting insurance requirements impact underwriting and deal feasibility, providing clients with data-backed risk assessments and capital planning.

Optimism remains strong, even in the face of adversity

Despite persistent headwinds, including policy uncertainty and economic pressures, developers across both conferences voiced a strong sense of resilience. In Louisiana, where experience with unforeseen events is the norm, creativity continues to drive progress.

At Walker & Dunlop, we match this resilience with tenacity, structuring transactions and advising with a deep understanding of local dynamics and national capital trends. From strategic planning to execution, we are a trusted partner through every market cycle.

Partner with a purpose-driven platform

Walker & Dunlop’s affordable housing platform exists to create, preserve, and revitalize communities. We’re doing more than financing buildings; we’re enabling homes, stability, and opportunity.

Whether you’re navigating the nuances of LIHTC structuring, bond cap constraints, or capital market shifts, our Affordable team is here to deliver results.

Let’s build what matters. Reach out to our affordable housing specialists to learn how we can help bring your next project to life.