A Message from TAAHP's Executive Director

By Roger Arriaga, TAAHP Executive Director

Before we fully recognized the true severity of the pandemic and resulting economic shutdown in early 2020, most organizations adopted a cautious “wait and see” approach. Planning for the worst and hoping for the best seemed to be the prevailing mantra across all industries. With no roadmap to maneuver the abounding uncertainty, TAAHP’s strong board leadership, member engagement, and partner collaboration were vital to survive the most challenging year in our history.

Our board’s response to the economic shutdown was to be flexible and quickly pivot to create opportunities, confidence, and a strong value proposition for our industry. We accepted the uncertainty and went to work. With a year of overcoming obstacles, I can report several wins for our members attributable to our leaders, members, and partners.

Industry Win: First Virtual Texas Housing Conference

Overnight, the world of conferences changed for everyone. Given in-person gatherings were banned, TAAHP not only created its first virtual conference in a matter of weeks, but we doubled the value by providing a second conference in the fall, free for those who attended the first. While nothing can replace the value and experience of an in-person conference, we still provided cutting-edge panels covering updates to our usual fare while also breaking ground with some new concepts, including race and diversity with renowned expert Richard Rothstein. Our members responded with resounding support.

Industry Win: Expanded Education Offerings

Working from our newly established virtual format and with help from a diligent Education Committee, TAAHP provided the latest professional development offerings. Some of these included our first multifamily and economic forecast, a primer on 4% tax credit transactions, post-award strategies, property management in the time of COVID, average income, and year15 strategies affordable housing ownership, to name a few.

Industry Win: TAAHP’s Growing Industry Influence The Texas Capitol was a microcosm of uncertainty, reflecting what was going on across the state. But amid unclear protocols, changing rules, and a limited amount of time, TAAHP ended the session as a recognized policy leader. Our Government Affairs Committee’s efforts to meet with and educate all incoming Texas House freshmen, senators, and key committee members did not go unnoticed. Also, our relationships in the offices of the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Speaker of the House will continue to prove valuable. TAAHP also successfully implemented a new online Advocacy Center, allowing every member’s voice to have a place in impacting legislation. These efforts position TAAHP as a resource on affordable housing issues for the upcoming 88th Legislative Session in 2023.

Industry Win: TAAHP in the Media

We can do wonderful things for affordable housing, but consistent communication is important to remain relevant. Even in a chaotic year, TAAHP members and staff provided interviews to the likes of the Texas Tribune, local NBC affiliate KXAN News, Affordable Housing Finance, and Tax Credit Advisor. With this recognition, our members are setting the stage for a more significant national voice in support of affordable housing.

TAAHP Adapts

Over the last year, we also had to make strategic decisions and investments to ensure that TAAHP remained sustainable. For example, we ended our lease for an office that has been in place for over 15 years and established a structure that allows the staff to work remotely. We also upgraded our member management system to provide added utility, value, and a more seamless experience for our members.

All in all, it was a challenging year. Still, TAAHP’s leaders kept a determined focus, and our members continued their commitment to ensuring we remain the responsive organization you’ve come to expect. The work of our board and dedication of our membership give us much optimism about what lies ahead.

Join Us

We are growing, but we still have much more to accomplish. With your membership and support, you can expect to see more from TAAHP as we work to expand our role as a national industry leader in affordable housing. To our current members: thank you for being a part of our success during the most challenging period in our history. For those of you considering a membership, we invite you to be part of our success and join us on our way to a stronger future.