SAN FRANCISCO, April 28, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Novogradac & Company LLP, along with other industry professionals, will come together May 15-16, 2008 in New Orleans, La. for the firm's annual Credit & Bond Financing for Affordable Housing Conference. Our keynote speaker will be Milton Bailey, president, Louisiana Housing Finance Agency on Thursday, May 15, 12:30 p.m.
The conference provides a platform for panelists to address the most pressing issues faced by the affordable housing industry and explore ways to keep the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) and tax-exempt bond programs operating smoothly during a time of uncertain markets, professional caution and considerable affordable housing need.
The conference, held at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans, will address the timely and important issues and challenges of credit and bond financing in today's turbulent markets, concentrating on the critical business of the debt and equity markets and how to navigate them, as well as the trends and patterns that are beginning to emerge.
"We are excited to be back in New Orleans hosting this event and cannot stress enough the importance of these types of gatherings. It is through fellowship, ongoing education, and discussion that the tax-credit housing industry continues to flourish, develop and move forward," says Michael J. Novogradac, conference chairman and managing partner of the San Francisco office of Novogradac & Company LLP.
The event, rich in education and networking opportunities, will bring together a cross section of developers, policymakers, attorneys, lenders, syndicators, and local and state housing agency professionals who have first-hand experience with the idiosyncrasies and complex characteristics of tax-exempt bonds and LIHTCs. Industry veterans chosen for their experience and expertise will discuss what underwriters are looking for in a project; from the quality of the project and the risks associated with it to the potential payoff and how a well-suited match can make all the difference in starting a project on its way to a successful conclusion.
Hear what Congress has proposed for the government sponsored entities (GSEs) and learn of the possible changes under way at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and how, with their billions in equity investments, they can continue their funding of affordable housing. Attendees can also enjoy a special two-hour session at which panelists will discuss the management of interest rates, look at various investment strategies and provide ample opportunity to answer all of your questions.
Additionally, a one day Pre-Conference Workshop: Low-Income Housing Bond Basics will be held Wednesday, May 14. The workshop is an ideal event for newcomers to the industry as well as those who want a refresher course. Registration is separate and optional. Additional fees apply.
The Credit and Bond Financing for Affordable Housing Conference is co-hosted by Enterprise Community Investment Inc., JPMorgan Chase, and Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP. Sponsors include D.A. Davidson & Co., Prudential Financial and Standard & Poor's.
Conference details and the complete conference agenda can be found at www.novoco.com/events.
San Francisco-based Novogradac & Company LLP is a national certified public accounting and consulting firm that specializes in community development and affordable housing. Its offices in Austin, Texas; Boston, Mass.; Cleveland, Columbus and Dover Ohio; San Francisco and Long Beach, Calif.; and Metro Atlanta, Ga., Kansas City, Mo. and Washington, D.C., provide a full spectrum of attest, tax, valuation, market research and consulting services to community development and affordable housing developers, syndicators, lenders and investors. For more information about Novogradac & Company LLP's Credit & Bond Financing for Affordable Housing, contact Jane Bowar Zastrow at 415.356.8034, or email jane.zastrow@novoco.com.