A Message from TAAHP's Government Affairs Committee Chair

Meghan Cano, Government Affairs Committee Chair

Access to affordable housing remains one of Texas’ most urgent challenges. As the state’s population and employment opportunities grow rapidly, the need for affordable homes far exceeds current supply. TAAHP continues to lead as the voice for affordable housing in Texas, championing policies that empower our members to build safe, quality homes.

Over the last year, TAAHP’s Government Affairs and Legislative Advisory (GALA) Committee has continued to deepen engagement with policymakers and influential partners. These connections are critical to shaping the laws and regulations that influence our industry. Through property tours and community-based events, GALA offers lawmakers a meaningful, on-the-ground perspective of the positive impact affordable housing brings to communities across the state.

During the 89th Legislative Session, our priority was to increase efficiency by removing the obstacles hindering housing development. In response, GALA’s subcommittees have been actively engaged in creating strategic solutions and drafting robust legislative proposals aimed at overcoming these issues. Despite a very tough legislative landscape, TAAHP is pleased with many of this session’s outcomes. Whether it was the protections of the tax credit program in HB21, our success in passing SB2137/HB3753 on Education Quality, or our work in successfully reducing administrative burdens to development; TAAHP was an active participant in ensuring the production of quality affordable housing continues in Texas.

Special thanks to Kathryn Saar, Nick Walsh, Emily Abeln, Jason Arechiga and Alyssa Flores, and Avis Chaisson, who have led these subcommittees with energy and purpose. Their efforts are shaping TAAHP’s priorities, which include potential reforms to the Housing Tax Credit program, property tax exemptions and appraisals, insurance affordability, and more.

In the coming months, TAAHP will continue to educate lawmakers and staff on the complexities of affordable housing. These interim engagements are critical for laying the groundwork for successful advocacy in 2027.

TAAHP also deeply values its collaboration with key partner organizations: Texans for Reasonable Solutions (TRS), Texas Apartment Association (TAA), the Texas Association of Builders (TAB), Rural Rental Housing Association of Texas (RRHA), the Texas Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (TALHFA), and the Texas chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (TXNAHRO). These partnerships enhance our collective impact and ensure our messages are aligned as we champion housing access together.

None of our work would be possible without the unwavering support of the TAAHP staff—Roger, Naomi, and Whitney —whose commitment and coordination keep our efforts running smoothly. We also extend sincere gratitude to our legislative consultants, Andrade-Van De Putte and Associates and Texas Lobby Strategies, for their guidance, strategy, and tireless work on behalf of affordable housing across the state.

As we approach this next legislative cycle, I am more confident than ever that TAAHP is positioned for meaningful progress. Thank you to our members for your ongoing engagement and passion. Together, we are creating a more affordable Texas for all.

Thank You to the GALA Committee Members

Emily Abeln, Brinshore Development, LLC

Christopher Akbari, ITEX Development, LLC

Dan Allgeier, Lakewood Property Management

Terri Anderson, Anderson Development & Construction, LLC

Bobby Bowling, Tropicana Building Corp.

Meghan Cano, CHR Partners

Zachary Cavender, Pennrose, LLC

Avis Chaisson, AFC Real Estate Dev. Services

Khayree Duckett, Dominium

Eleanor Fanning, Portfolio Resident Services

Quinn Gormley, Baker Tilly

Debra Guerrero, The NRP Group

Blake Hopkins, Lincoln Avenue Communities

Shannon Hunter, Coats Rose, P.C.

Toni Jackson, The Banks Law Firm

Nathan Kelley, Blazer

Dan Kierce, RBC Capital Markets

Tim Lang, Tejas Housing Group

Jean Latsha, Pedcor Investments

Steven LeClere, Monarch Private Capital

Diana McIver, DMA Development Co., LLC

Kim Parker, Palladium USA International, Inc.

Joel Pollack, Streamline Advisory Partners

Kathryn Saar, The Brownstone Group

Janine Sisak, DMA Development Co., LLC

Darren Smith, Pivotal

Rachel Thomas Phillips, Regions Bank

Nick Walsh, The NRP Group

Valerie Williams, Bank of America