Driving change: Emily Cadik and Dudley Benoit on the future of LIHTC

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) remains the most effective tool for financing affordable housing in the U.S., but its success depends on strong leadership and continuous advocacy.

Industry experts Emily Cadik, CEO of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition (AHTCC), and Dudley Benoit, Senior Managing Director at Walker & Dunlop and AHTCC President, are at the forefront of shaping LIHTC’s future. Their insights into policy advancements, financing strategies, and advocacy efforts provide a roadmap for expanding access to affordable housing.

The human side of affordable housing

LIHTC is more than a financial instrument—it’s a lifeline for millions of families. As Cadik and Benoit emphasize, affordable housing plays a crucial role in stabilizing communities, reducing homelessness, and fostering economic growth.

"The need for affordable housing is no longer just an urban issue—it affects communities nationwide, from rural towns to major cities." — Emily Cadik

Spotlight on industry leaders

Emily Cadik: Advocating for stronger LIHTC policies

With a background in housing policy at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Cadik has spent her career championing LIHTC. As CEO of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, she leads efforts to expand and strengthen LIHTC through legislative advocacy.

Key insights from Cadik:

• The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act aims to increase LIHTC allocations and streamline financing.     
• Bipartisan support for LIHTC has grown, but continued advocacy is critical to securing legislative wins.
• The coalition is focused on regulatory improvements to reduce barriers to affordable housing development.

Dudley Benoit: Expanding LIHTC investment and impact

As a leader at Walker & Dunlop, Benoit oversees LIHTC investment strategies that drive affordable housing development and community growth. His role highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in financing affordable housing projects.

Key insights from Benoit:

• LIHTC remains attractive to investors due to its stability and tax benefits.
• Innovative financing models are needed to address the rising cost of construction and land.
• Collaboration between investors, developers, and policymakers is essential for LIHTC’s long-term success.

Sentiment on Capitol Hill and Engaging Policymakers

Emily Cadik has observed a growing recognition of the affordable housing crisis among policymakers, regardless of political affiliation. She notes that members of Congress—whether from urban districts or rural states—are increasingly aware of the urgent need for solutions.

"The need for affordable housing is not something we have to convince policymakers of anymore. They hear it directly from their constituents. The challenge is ensuring that LIHTC remains a top legislative priority amid competing budget concerns." — Emily Cadik

Cadik emphasizes that while bipartisan support for LIHTC is strong, navigating the political landscape requires persistent advocacy. Meetings with legislators focus on demonstrating the tangible economic and social benefits of LIHTC, from job creation to community revitalization.

"Speaking with members of Congress and their staff, you realize they genuinely want to help but need clear, data-driven arguments to justify expanding the program. The key is making it easy for them to champion LIHTC." — Emily Cadik

Dudley Benoit echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue with policymakers:

"We have strong bipartisan support, but success depends on our ability to keep LIHTC at the forefront of policy discussions. We need to make sure lawmakers see the direct impact affordable housing has on their communities." — Dudley Benoit

Legislative and regulatory priorities

The future of LIHTC depends on policy advancements that enhance its effectiveness. Cadik and Benoit stress the importance of:

• Expanding LIHTC allocations to address the growing demand for affordable housing.
• Simplifying compliance requirements to make the program more accessible to developers and investors.
• Encouraging new investment through incentives and regulatory adjustments.

How to support the future of LIHTC

Cadik and Benoit emphasize that anyone interested in affordable housing can play a role in advancing LIHTC’s future:

Ways to get involved:

• Advocate for policy changes by contacting legislators and supporting LIHTC-friendly legislation.
• Join industry organizations like the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition.
• Participate in advocacy events to engage with policymakers and industry leaders.

The leadership of Emily Cadik and Dudley Benoit highlights the ongoing evolution of LIHTC as a vital tool for affordable housing. Their advocacy, investment strategies, and commitment to policy improvements ensure that LIHTC continues to serve communities in need. By supporting these efforts, industry professionals and advocates can help shape the future of affordable housing.

For more information on LIHTC advocacy and policy updates, visit the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition.