#United States #Chicago #affordable housing #LIHTC #National Equity Fund

NEF's Successful 2025 in Affordable Housing

The National Equity Fund (NEF) has marked a stellar year in 2025, achieving remarkable results in its mission to develop affordable housing across the nation. By successfully raising and deploying an impressive $2.5 billion in investments, NEF has fortified its role as a foremost advocate for affordable housing solutions.

Record Investments in 2025

NEF's groundbreaking achievements include a record-setting $1.94 billion in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity, an all-time high that eclipses its previous records. In addition, by investing in state tax credits, the total contributions nearly reached $2 billion. These critical investments bolster the creation and preservation of affordable housing, and during the year, they contributed to the establishment of over 14,200 units of affordable homes throughout the United States.

Addressing Housing Affordability Challenges

As the nation grapples with escalating housing costs, NEF's interventions come at a crucial time. The organization's commitment to overcoming barriers within the housing sector has proven effective, even amid challenging economic conditions. With a sense of resilience, NEF has navigated through market disruptions, maintaining its focus on delivering essential housing solutions while continuing to build lasting relationships with investors and community stakeholders.

Innovative Capital Solutions

NEF's strategic foresight is evident in its approach to capital deployment. The organization has extended its portfolio by augmenting its debt and equity services to elucidate pathways for affordable housing financing. With commitments totaling $511 million in structured financial solutions, NEF supports various stages of housing development—from preservation efforts to new constructions.

One of the highlights of 2025 was the completion of the largest investment in NEF's history, which preserved around 2,700 affordable homes located in Albuquerque and Portland, solidifying its commitment to safeguarding existing affordable housing stock.

Largest LIHTC Transaction

A crowning achievement occurred in October when NEF executed the largest LIHTC transaction to date, reaching nearly $100 million in collaboration with Fannie Mae. This significant milestone will facilitate the development of 432 affordable homes in Arlington County, Virginia, helping to fortify one of the most sought-after urban centers in the country.

Moreover, NEF has launched the inaugural NeighborWorks Capital Equity Fund, a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing financial support for non-profit housing developers, particularly those serving rural areas. This partnership strives to broaden the impact these organizations can achieve.

Commitment to Workforce and Culture

NEF's successful strategies underscore the importance of investing in its workforce. For the fifth consecutive year, the organization has been recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® both in Chicago and nationally. This accolade reflects NEF's commitment to nurturing a positive organizational culture and fostering career development.

Conclusion

As NEF embarks on 2026, it holds an impressive pipeline of over $1.7 billion in potential new investments, ensuring that its mission of delivering affordable housing continues to advance. NEF’s consistent dedication to innovation, responsible asset management, and strategic partnerships positions it for a future of sustained growth and success in addressing America's enduring affordable housing crisis.

With its legacy of over $30 billion in total production since inception and the creation or preservation of approximately 275,000 affordable homes, the National Equity Fund remains at the forefront of building a brighter future for communities across the United States. To learn more about NEF and its initiatives, visit www.nefinc.org.