---
title: History of LIHTC and Why It Matters
description: Discover the history and significance of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program in affordable housing development. Explore key resources and training.
image: https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/Featured-Image_History-of-LIHTC.jpg
---
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# History of LIHTC and Why It Matters
- June 23, 2026
[Bryan Padilla | Marketing and Communications Specialist | HAI Group](https://blog.haigroup.com/author/bryan-padilla)
[\< Back to Resource Center](https://blog.haigroup.com)
The [Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program](https://www.housingtraininginstitute.com/public/contentdetails/254931/baker-tilly-fundamentals-of-the-lihtc-program) is one of the most important tools for creating affordable housing in the United States, but how did it come to be?
[Shaped over decades by evolving housing policies](https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/lihtc.html), shifting economic goals, and ongoing efforts to develop sustainable solutions to the increasing demand for affordable housing, each stage of the LIHTC program offers opportunities to help develop a more balanced, partnership-focused approach to addressing the rising housing need.
##### In this short introductory video, available in the [Fundamentals of the LIHTC Program](https://www.housingtraininginstitute.com/public/contentdetails/254931/baker-tilly-fundamentals-of-the-lihtc-program) course developed by the [HAI Group Housing Training Institute](https://www.haigroup.com/housing-training/) and [Baker Tilly](https://www.bakertilly.com), you will receive a high-level look at the history of LIHTC, the policy shifts that shaped it, and why it remains a cornerstone of affordable housing development today.
## A lasting impact
Today, LIHTC stands as a powerful example of a successful public-private partnership. By exchanging tax credits for equity investment, the program reduces development costs and helps keep rents affordable for residents.
Over time, it has supported the creation of millions of affordable housing units nationwide and continues to serve as a cornerstone of housing policy, delivering high-quality housing while maintaining strong financial performance.
## Continue learning with the Housing Training Institute
This video offers a brief introduction to HAI Group and Baker Tilly’s [Fundamentals of the LIHTC Program](https://blog.haigroup.com/fundamentals-of-the-lihtc-program), where we join Don Bernards, principal at Baker Tilly, and explore how the LIHTC program works in practice and how housing professionals can apply it successfully.
For a deeper dive into LIHTC, [you can enroll in the Fundamentals course](https://www.housingtraininginstitute.com/public/contentdetails/254931/baker-tilly-fundamentals-of-the-lihtc-program). You can also explore additional training opportunities on the [Housing Training Institute learning portal](https://www.housingtraininginstitute.com/mui/public/catalog).
[](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJpMVtdHyO%2BiGoHuyUeUNFVieAErF44DzhUk96UlH5Stq6svUtWTJW%2BO9xts%2Fp9kG%2FVL78vU5qyfX9SXqcJuZ6nEhC3f62xrHBtPJ20hlWW8rMZsr607f7MFbwF7fIbhLA9GuBYuG3QNtQC8IuE%2F9yk%2FggFRxK2X9h%2FhvJAVudsShEdVZg4zPBeRJ6fqSgNu%2BNsrer8KoVG8%2F25uwVnCSCQlfLd6nj7j9HWQukVai1CGNfMJystWkl%2Fa0nnDPKICXpRsBOqHrVD%2F43rxdvYxdWDOMT3hmYn6xcS9ch%2BH11mpWyknuhauDE%3D&webInteractiveContentId=196631419910&portalId=20790879)
## Additional resources
Learn more about LIHTC with these resources:
- [Breaking Down LIHTC: Self-Paced Training for Housing Professionals](https://blog.haigroup.com/fundamentals-of-the-lihtc-program)
- [LIHTC Changes Under OBBBA: What Public Housing Agencies Need to Know](https://blog.haigroup.com/lihtc-changes-under-obbba-what-public-housing-agencies-need-to-know)
- [LIHTC Transactions Paired With RAD: What Public Housing Authorities & Developers Need to Know](https://blog.haigroup.com/lihtc-transactions-paired-with-rad-what-to-know)
The information presented is for general reference only. HAI Group makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy or applicability of this information for any particular use or circumstance. Your use of this information is at your own discretion and risk. HAI Group and any author or contributor identified herein assume no responsibility for your use of this information. You should consult with your legal, professional or subject matter advisor before implementing any new strategy or policy.
HAI Group® is the registered trademark of Housing Authority Risk Retention Group, Inc. and its related companies. For a complete list of HAI Group companies, visit www.haigroup.com. Products or services may not be available in all jurisdictions. Certain property and casualty coverage may be provided by a risk retention group or a surplus lines insurer or by a third party. Risk retention groups and surplus lines insurers do not participate in state guaranty funds and their insureds are not protected by such funds.
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