MIAMI—The commercial real estate industry is still debating how President Trump's policies will impact various aspects of the business. Matthew Rieger, CEO of statewide affordable housing developer Housing Trust Group, has some perspectives from his angle. You can still read part one of our exclusive interview. Do You Agree With These Affordable Housing Predictions?

GlobeSt.com: How do you view the incoming Trump administration with respect to affordable housing policy. Do you see opportunities or challenges there?

Rieger: The low-income housing tax credit program—which is by far the most important tool developers have to create affordable housing—was started by a Republican president, Ronald Reagan, 30 years ago. It has enjoyed strong bipartisan support since then, so I do not see any immediate threat to the program.

Furthermore, it coincides nicely with Trump's intentions to rebuild America's infrastructure and put people to work. Because the affordable housing industry creates thousands of jobs for lower- and middle-income Americans, while providing those same people an affordable place to live so they can save for college, healthcare and other vital needs, it really is the key to fueling our economic engine now and in the future.

GlobeSt.com: Many Florida multifamily developers have largely focused on the luxury and or market-rate segments of the industry. Why did you choose to focus on affordable housing?

Rieger: As an attorney, I felt uniquely well-equipped to navigate the complex regulatory tax/funding environment of affordable housing, and I saw an opportunity to fill a void in the multifamily development space. Also, I have a very competitive streak and was convinced that it's possible to develop affordable communities that are as nice—if not nicer—than many market-rate apartments, which I believe we have succeeded in doing. I love closing deals and delivering for my investors and partners, but it feels just as good, or better, to welcome a hard-working, deserving person or family into a place they can call home. Our motto is to do well by doing good.

Several economic factors have resulted in net positives for the multifamily sector and prices in core markets are at an all-time high. But just how long can the market continue on this trajectory? Join us at RealShare Apartments East on Feb. 28 and March 1 for insights on succeeding in the right markets as well as navigating and finding opportunities in the more challenging ones. Learn more.

GlobeSt.com: How do you view the incoming Trump administration with respect to affordable housing policy. Do you see opportunities or challenges there?

GlobeSt.com: Many Florida multifamily developers have largely focused on the luxury and or market-rate segments of the industry. Why did you choose to focus on affordable housing?

Instant Insights /

Exploring Trump's Impact on Affordable Housing

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