#United States #Los Angeles #LISC #Housing Development #Merritt Community Capital

LISC Launches the 2026 California Affordable Housing Development Training Institute (HDTI)

The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), recognized as one of America's premier community development financial institutions, marks a new milestone in its commitment to affordable housing. On March 19, 2026, LISC unveiled the Affordable Housing Development Training Institute (HDTI), aimed at addressing the training needs of emerging affordable housing professionals across California. This statewide initiative, in collaboration with Merritt Community Capital Corporation, is set to equip early-career practitioners with essential technical skills, resources, and a supportive network to successfully develop affordable housing projects—from initial concept through to completion.

A Rich History of Developing Skills

Since its inception in 1988, HDTI has been dedicated to closing the skills gap faced by nonprofit developers. Initially launched in Los Angeles, the program has since expanded to the Bay Area, San Diego, and statewide as of 1994. Over the years, more than 600 individuals from over 100 organizations have benefited from this training, significantly enhancing the production pipeline for affordable housing across diverse communities in California.

Nicole Williams, Executive Director of LISC LA, spoke to the complexities inherent in affordable housing development. She emphasized, "The expertise required to navigate this field is intricate and diverse. HDTI plays a crucial role in preparing developers with the necessary tools and connections to effectively contribute to housing solutions in communities that desperately need them."

Key Features of HDTI

HDTI serves as a strategic investment in human capital, focusing on practical training that accelerates real-world results. Here are the primary objectives of the program:

• - Enhancing Nonprofit Capacity: Participants will receive thorough training on all phases of development, including predevelopment, financing, construction, compliance, and long-term management of projects.
• - Driving Real Production: Each participant is required to advance a tangible affordable housing project during their time in the program, fostering practical application of their learning.
• - Building Professional Networks: HDTI encourages the formation of a collaborative network where participants can support and share insights with one another across various sectors.

LISC proudly partners with Merritt Community Capital Corporation to deliver the 2026 HDTI program. Merritt’s longstanding dedication to nurturing California’s affordable housing workforce, paired with its role as a mission-driven investor, ensures that graduates of HDTI gain both the skills and the essential connections needed for successful careers in affordable housing development.

About LISC

Established in 1979, LISC stands as one of the leading community development organizations in the United States, passionately working to enhance the quality of life in communities nationwide. With an impressive investment of $35 billion, LISC has created over 530,000 affordable homes and has developed extensive commercial and educational spaces. Beyond housing, LISC plays a pivotal role in empowering residents, helping them secure quality jobs and improve their financial well-being. To learn more about LISC's initiatives, visit www.lisc.org.

About Merritt Community Capital Corporation

Merritt Community Capital Corporation is a dedicated affordable housing funder that has been operating in California for more than 35 years. With a commitment to investing over $1.7 billion, Merritt has contributed to the creation of upwards of 12,500 affordable homes across the state. Through its Commitment to California initiative (C2C), Merritt doesn't just invest in properties but also invests in people, facilitating programs designed to attract, train, and retain skilled affordable housing professionals.

Merritt also collaborates with other mission-driven organizations, enhancing community development efforts, ensuring that essential neighborhoods flourish for low-income residents. To find out more, visit Merritt Community Capital Corporation's website.

In conclusion, HDTI represents a significant step forward in training and empowering affordable housing developers in California, fostering a resilient community prepared to meet housing demands effectively.