HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing Programs, Ben Metcalf, addressed a gathering of affordable housing’s emerging leaders last Thursday in Washington, DC. “I fell into affordable housing,” Metcalf began, describing a fellowship he took after college with a non-profit developer in New York City. He lived in a historic property that had been rehabilitated and included traditional tax credit units for low-income residents, as well as supportive housing for mentally ill residents.

“[This model] was incredibly innovative then,” Metcalf recalled. “Now it’s the norm.”

This statement illustrates an industry that’s constantly innovating and changing. There are always new financing options, partnership opportunities, and deal structures to explore in affordable housing. But, there is one thing that rarely changes: the people. In this fulfilling industry where many do well by doing good, the leadership understandably stays the same.

That is why the National Housing & Rehabilitation Association formed the Next Generation Leadership Initiative. This group is in the formative stages of creating a platform for affordable housing professionals who have recently taken on, or are rising to, executive leadership roles in their organizations. The initiative has three primary goals:

  • Engage the voices of emerging leaders in a conversation about what’s next for affordable housing.
  • Create connections and opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders.
  • Sustain the success of our community and ensure NH&RA continues our 43-year legacy of helping members expand and improve their business.

The idea is that once the current long-time leadership of the community is ready to pass the baton, the next generation will be ready to grab it and run.

Metcalf’s keynote address in Washington, DC, took place at the group’s third meeting. He offered insight into ongoing and future HUD initiatives, as well as counsel to his fellow emerging leaders. Metcalf described his career as one that has allowed him to experience several facets of the industry, from his years of development experience with BRIDGE Housing Corporation to various roles within HUD that led to his current position. He encouraged other young leaders to similarly diversify their experiences.

“Sometimes you have to take leaps into the unknown,” he said. “Mobility and trying new things is really important.”

As Metcalf described the changes he has overseen at HUD during his tenure, it was obvious he has taken some leaps of his own. From expanding partnerships with the private sector through the Rental Assistance Demonstration program to challenging structural norms with the HUD Transformation, Metcalf has not been leery of bold moves when he sees an opportunity to better serve those in need of affordable housing. And it’s paid off. Metcalf said employee morale and satisfaction is up dramatically in the regions where the Transformation is complete, and they’re meeting their processing goals at a much higher rate. The RAD program has similarly generated a lot of interest and excitement within the industry.

Many of the next generation participants applauded Metcalf’s efforts. Several commented that at future Next Generation Leadership Initiative events, they want the opportunity to learn how they can better support HUD’s initiatives through their own work and feedback. The group discussed opportunities to continue strengthening the relationship between HUD and private sector developers.

Following their discussion with Metcalf, the meeting participants talked with NH&RA Executive Director Thom Amdur about how to shape the Next Generation Leadership Initiative to meet their needs. The group presented a number of ideas, including:

  • Opportunities for intellectual collaboration. Participants requested regular forums, in-person or remote, for candid discussions of successes, failures, and lessons learned.
  • Networking with regulators and allocators. They want opportunities for dialogue with the organizations and agencies, like HUD and housing finance agencies, which oversee affordable housing programs. Participants felt they could offer a unique perspective by reporting back what they are seeing in the field.
  • Best practices for growing and expanding a company. Many participants saw opportunities within their own organizations to improve efficacy and efficiency. They sought guidance on how to work within their organizations to create change in a constructive way.
  • Transaction-oriented information: The participants were looking for insight into how to do better deals, including using cutting-edge financial products and structures.
  • Growing institutional knowledge: The next generation of leaders is seeking opportunities to learn from those with many decades of experience in the industry.

The Next Generation Leadership Initiative will meet again at NH&RA’s 2015 Summer Institute. As the initiative moves forward, NH&RA will continue to explore ways to structure the meetings, which could include webinars, regional gatherings, and meetings in conjunction with existing NH&RA events. If you have suggestions for the Next Generation Leadership Initiative or know someone who should be a part of it, please e-mail Thom Amdur at tamdur@housingonline.com.