HDTI's Hands-on Approach to Building Skills and Homes

Since 1988, LISC offices in California have been preparing future affordable housing leaders through the Housing Development Training Institute (HDTI). To date, HDTI has equipped over 500 early-career project managers with a broad spectrum of skills, ranging from real estate development fundamentals and financial structuring to construction management. The yearlong, intensive program accepts up to 50 participants from nonprofit community development corporations across California.

What makes HDTI an effective and unique training is the hands-on approach. Throughout the course of the program, participants develop skills through case study exercises that apply their skills by working on real-world housing development projects. 

HDTI held their final in-person training session, a three-day practical application of what they learned throughout the year. The first day featured an Executive Director (ED) Talk Show, moderated by Nicole Williams, ED of LISC LA. Panelists included Stephanie Klasky-Gamer of LA Family Housing, Tara Barauskas of Community Corporation of Santa Monica, and Erich Nakano of Little Tokyo Service Center. They delved into the nuances of executive leadership, sharing their journey and offering career insights for HDTI participants.

For the capstone case study, initially developed by the California Housing Partnership for HDTI in 2000, participants worked in teams to analyze the financial intricacies of a new construction Low Income Housing Tax Credit deal. This simulation exercise encouraged participants to use negotiation strategies to reach a deal with public and private lenders.

Experts in the field, including public funding agency representatives, banking partners, and non-profit affordable housing leaders, served as guest trainers. On the last day, participants presented their final negotiated deals to the cohort to demonstrate how they navigated the requirements of all the parties.

For more than 35 years, HDTI has not only built a skilled and knowledgeable workforce but also fostered the collaboration, innovation, and leadership needed to tackle California’s affordable housing crisis. 

HDTI is made possible with the generosity of Merritt Community Capital Corporation through their Commitment to California initiative. Learn more about HDTI at www.lisc.org/los-angeles/what-we-do/affordable-housing/california-housing-development-training-institute-hdti/.