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Deborah VanAmerongen
Strategic Policy Advisor / Deputy Practice Group Leader, Affordable Housing & Real Estate
Introduction
Deborah VanAmerongen is a strategic policy advisor and deputy practice group leader of the Affordable Housing and Real Estate group, heading the firm’s Affordable Housing team. She works with attorneys in our firm and a range of clients, including developers, owners, managers, and funders, to craft creative solutions to affordable housing development and preservation issues.
My focus
Affordable housing transactions
I focus my practice on complex affordable housing transactions, including those that entail interaction with several governmental agencies and numerous funding sources. I also introduce clients to new opportunities and markets and build partnerships between clients and community groups where that partnership will facilitate the success of a transaction.
Uniquely positioned to assist our clients
Our Affordable Housing team, representing both transactional and regulatory experience, works with developers, owners, public housing agencies and numerous municipal, state, and federal agencies to develop and preserve affordable housing around the country. The unique combination of our deep regulatory understanding (including HUD policies and programs) and years of experience closing complex affordable housing financial transactions puts us in the center of the affordable housing industry.
Staying at the forefront of developments in housing policy
Our firm has always placed a strong emphasis on staying ahead of developments in affordable housing policy at the city, state, and federal levels. Through my role on the Executive Committee of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) and on the Board of the Housing Advisory Group (HAG) along with the roles that several of the other practitioners in our firm have with other national and local housing advocacy organizations, we are able to stay in the forefront of policy discussions with the various governmental agencies. This enables us to better advise our clients and spot opportunities and risks that may impact their business.
Representative experience
- Representing all the developer teams joint venturing with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) in its RAD/Section 18 PACT transactions, with over 14,000 units rehabilitated through twelve closings in the last six years and over 15,000 additional units scheduled to close in the next few years.
- Provided regulatory counsel to Nuveen in their acquisition of 46 properties comprising roughly 12,000 affordable units from Omni Holding Co. This included approvals from HUD and several New York City, New York State and other state agencies. The transaction increases the value of Nuveen’s affordable housing assets under management to $6.4 billion.
Looking ahead
There has been increased recognition from all quarters of the affordable housing crisis around the country. We are hopeful that in time this will also result in additional resources being provided by the federal government. The extraordinary demand on the resources available from housing agencies has forced ever more creative deal structuring, and these challenges will continue for the foreseeable future. I believe there will be a continued and enhanced emphasis on combining supportive services with affordable housing development. I also see HUD continuing its emphasis on the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, and other tools to reposition public housing developments.
Insights
- “One on One with NYS HCR Upstate Development Directors,” Annual Upstate New York State Affordable Housing Conference, September 14, 2023
- “Senior Housing Development 101: Resources and Strategies to Create New Independent Living Opportunities,” LeadingAge NY Annual Conference & Exposition, May 23, 2023
- “National Housing: Funding, programs and policies” New York Affordable Housing Conference, May 18, 2023“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Affordable Housing Industry,” IPEDNew York Affordable Housing Conference, May 17, 2023
- “RAD Basics Workshop,” Novogradac 2023 Affordable Housing Conference, April 26, 2023
- “Washington Update,” IPED’s Learn the Basics: Housing Tax Credits 101, March 24, 2023
- “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Affordable Housing Industry,” IPED’s Learn the Basics: Housing Tax Credits 101, March 23, 2023
- “Laying the foundation: The basic rules governing today’s housing tax credit projects,” IPED’s Learn the Basics: Housing Tax Credits 101, March 23, 2023
- “Public Housing Repositioning” IRHP NYC Affordable Housing Preservation Symposium 2023, March 1, 2023
- “HUD Multifamily Update,” NLHA 2023 Mid-Year Meeting: Assisted Housing Challenges & Opportunities, January 26, 2023
- “The Evolution of RAD,” NCSHA’s 2022 Housing Credit Connect, June 23, 2022
- “AHTCC Fireside Chat,” Affordable Housing Symposium, June 15, 2022
- “The Deborah Van Federal Update,” NYSAFAH's 2022 Annual New York Affordable Housing Conference, May 19, 2022
- “The Ins and Outs of Article XI,” NYSAFAH's 2022 Annual New York Affordable Housing Conference, May 18, 2022
- “Washington Update,” IPED’s Learn the Basics: Housing Tax Credits 101, March 24, 2022
- “Laying the Foundation: The Basic Rules Governing Today’s Housing Tax Credit Projects,” IPED’s Learn the Basics: Housing Tax Credits 101, March 24, 2022
- “The Many Faces of Section 8,” Assisted Housing’s New Frontier: 2022 Mid-Year NLHA Membership Meeting, January 27, 2022
- “Multifamily Finance Forum,” NCSHA's 2022 HFA Institute, Webinar, January 12, 2022
- “How Government Makes Housing Happen,” NY Alliance Housing Symposium, Webinar, November 3, 2021
- “Preservation Tools and Trends,” National Leased Housing Association's (NLHA) Mature Section 8 Project Seminar, October 28, 2021
- “RAD Development and Repositioning Strategies,” NCSHA Housing Credit Connect 2021, June 23, 2021
- “The Latest on RAD Conversions of Section 202/PRAC Developments,” LeadingAge PA & LeadingAge NJ/DE 2021 Virtual Annual Conference, June 18, 2021
- “Federal Housing Policy and Program Update,” NYSAFAH 22nd Annual New York State Affordable Housing Conference, May 13, 2021
- “Current Issues in Affordable Housing in New York City,” New York City Bar CLE Programs, Webinar, May 7, 2021
- “A Conversation on Affordable Housing Preservation with NYS/NYC Officials,” The Institute for Responsible Housing Preservation (IRHP), Webinar, March 10, 2021
- “Working with Federal Multifamily Programs,” NCSHA HFA Institute 2021, Webinar, February 8, 2021
- “Navigating the Private Activity Bond Landscape,” NCSHA HFA Institute 2021, Webinar, February 4, 2021
- “RAD for PRAC Transactions,” Novogradac 2021 RAD Public Housing Virtual Conference, Webinar, January 15, 2021
- HSU Symposium Real Estate Panel, November 19, 2020
- “What's Ahead at HUD?” 2020 AHF Live Summit, Webinar, November 17, 2020
- “Federal Election Update," NYSAFAH, Webinar, November 10, 2020
- HUD Workshop, Texas Housing Conference Fall Virtual Segment, October 5, 2020 (presenter)
- “Select Low Income Housing Legal Issues: Multifamily Occupancy, Restrictions and Preservation,” Strafford Webinar, September 8, 2020
- “The Local and Federal Impact of COVID-19,” The Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers (HAND), Webinar, June 25, 2020
- “Getting Development and Construction Back on Track,” NCSHA Housing Credit Connected virtual program, June 4, 2020
- “Federal Panel,” NYSAFAH Spring Virtual Symposium, May 14, 2020
- “So-You Think You Know Section 8?,” 2020 NLHA Mid-Year Meeting, Indian Wells, CA, February 5, 2020 (moderator)
- “Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (RAD) Updates,” Institute for Responsible Housing Preservation: Affordable Housing Preservation Symposium, New York, NY, January 22, 2020 (moderator)
In the news
- Affordable Housing Finance
The next frontier: Post-RAD transactions
May 31, 2023Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, of the Los Angeles office, and New York City AHRE partner Kathie Soroka contributed this article discussing public housing authorities (PHAs) and developer partners increasingly seeking to redevelop properties that have already converted assistance through HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program.
- CoStar News
Nuveen to buy 12,000-plus apartments in major affordable housing bet
May 11, 2023This article mentions NP for serving as regulatory counsel in Nuveen’s acquisition of a 12,000-unit affordable housing portfolio from Omni Holding Co. The NP deal team was led by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch and included Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen; Boston partner Julie Stande; Washington, DC counsel Patrice Harris; associates James Allen and Avery Ryou of New York City, David Hornstein of Washington, DC, and Ali Sisson of Boston; New York City paralegal Brian Murphy; and New York City affordable housing specialist Antonik Kristofer, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate practice.
- Affordable Housing Finance
Nuveen acquires Omni Holding’s affordable housing portfolio
May 10, 2023The following articles mention NP for serving as regulatory counsel in Nuveen’s acquisition of a 12,000-unit affordable housing portfolio from Omni Holding Co. The NP deal team was led by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch and included Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen; Boston partner Julie Stande; Washington, DC counsel Patrice Harris; associates James Allen and Avery Ryou of New York City, David Hornstein of Washington, DC, and Ali Sisson of Boston; New York City paralegal Brian Murphy, and New York City affordable housing specialist Antonik Kristofer, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate practice.
- Multi-Housing News
Nuveen buys 12,000-unit affordable portfolio
May 10, 2023The following articles mention NP for serving as regulatory counsel in Nuveen’s acquisition of a 12,000-unit affordable housing portfolio from Omni Holding Co. The NP deal team was led by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch and included Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen; Boston partner Julie Stande; Washington, DC counsel Patrice Harris; associates James Allen and Avery Ryou of New York City, David Hornstein of Washington, DC, and Ali Sisson of Boston; New York City paralegal Brian Murphy, and New York City affordable housing specialist Antonik Kristofer, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate practice.
- New York Daily News
Expanding housing statewide is just and fair: Ten experienced leaders say Governor Hochul’s Housing Compact should be enacted
March 29, 2023Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen cowrote this op-ed discussing why it’s important for New York State lawmakers to approve Governor Kathy Hochul’s Housing Compact. The article notes Deborah’s previous role as Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal.
- Affordable Housing Finance
Holistic high-rise opens in the Bronx
Nov 29, 2022This article covers the grand opening of 425 Grand Concourse, a 26-story mixed-use high-rise in the Bronx and the largest passive house development in the US—making it 70% more energy efficient than standard high-rise new construction. The article mentions NP for the work of Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader Deborah VanAmerongen and AHRE partner Joe Lynch, both of the New York City office.
- McKnight’s Senior Living
People in the news
This roundup of seniors housing news includes New York City strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen’s selection as deputy leader of the firm’s Affordable Housing & Real Estate practice. The article notes Deborah’s previous role as Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal.July 28, 2022 - Bloomberg Law
Wake up call
This roundup of legal industry news includes the selection of New York City strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen as deputy leader of the firm’s Affordable Housing & Real Estate practice. The article notes Deborah’s previous role as commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal.July 20, 2022 - Law360
Banking reform might chill affordable housing investment
Deputy Affordable Housing & Real Estate practice group leader Deborah VanAmerongen, of the New York City office, is quoted in this article on how recently proposed federal banking reform could impact affordable housing investment and potentially increase the effectiveness of the Community Reinvestment Act. Deborah explains how various parties employ the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and how the CRA can add to the motivation of financial institutions to finance affordable housing transactions because it counts toward their rating score.July 13, 2022 - Wealth Management
Many investors remain satisfied with steady income from affordable housing
Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice group leader Deborah VanAmerongen, of the New York City office, is quoted in this article covering investment in affordable housing properties. Deborah explains how investors could work with municipalities to understand incentives that may be available in exchange for maintaining affordability.June 22, 2022 - New York YIMBY
$30 million acquisition of the Johanna Apartments preserves affordable housing Harlem, Manhattan
This article covers Camber Property Group&rsquos latest acquisition of an affordable housing apartment in the New York City neighborhood of Harlem. The deal will extend affordability protections for the maximum 40-year term through a new U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development contract and an agreement with the City of New York. NP is mentioned for the work by New York City partner Aaron Yowell, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate James Allen, and Boston counsel Alexander Rosso, all in the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group, for advising Camber Property.Aug 4, 2021 - Multi-Housing News
Rehab starts on New York affordable senior housing
This article on the $35.8 million rehabilitation of an affordable housing community for seniors in White Plains, NY, mentions the firm for the work of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen as borrower counsel.March 30, 2021 - New York Real Estate Journal
National Standard Abstract provides title insurance for CB Emmanuel 30 million rehabilitation project
This article, focusing on the slated project to preserve Calvary Baptist Church Senior Housing’s studio and one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors, mentions the firm for the work by New York City partner Joe Lynch and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen and Rochester associate Matt Carrigg, all in the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group, in advising CB Emmanuel.March 2, 2021 - WealthManagement.com
More Types of Investors Are Targeting Affordable Housing
This article, on how investors are finding more ways to invest in affordable housing, quotes New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen on how geography comes into play with tax credits and investments made by private equity firms and developers.Feb 9, 2021 - Affordable Housing Finance - Lessons Learned in 2020
Lessons Learned in 2020
New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen is quoted in Affordable Housing Finance’s 2021 outlook and 2020 year-end articles. Deborah is quoted for her perspective on the exponential growth in the need for affordable housing and how the adjustments by industry practitioners to the “new normal“ improved efficiency.Jan 4, 2021 - Affordable Housing Finance
COVID to Remain the Top Issue in 2021
New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen is quoted in Affordable Housing Finance’s 2021 outlook and 2020 year-end articles. Deborah is quoted for her perspective on the exponential growth in the need for affordable housing and how the adjustments by industry practitioners to the “new normal“ improved efficiency.Jan 4, 2021 - Connect CRE
Rockport Provides HUD Refi on Queens Senior Housing
The firm was mentioned in this article on the FHA Section 223(f) refinancing loan for Israel Senior Citizen Housing I and II, an apartment complex for the elderly in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, NY. Washington, D.C. partner Susanna Mitchell and New York City strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, both of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group, advised JASA Corporation in the deal.Dec 18, 2020 - Real Estate Weekly
Rockport Closes on $74M Refi' to Upgrade Queens Senior Housing
The firm was mentioned in this article on the FHA Section 223(f) refinancing loan for Israel Senior Citizen Housing I and II, an apartment complex for the elderly in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, NY. Washington, D.C. partner Susanna Mitchell and New York City strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, both in the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group, advised JASA Corporation in the deal.Dec 16, 2020 - Affordable Housing Finance
Breaking Ground Begins Transformation of Former Jehovah's Witnesses Hotel
This article on the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing mentions the firm for the work of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.Dec 2, 2020 - Multi-Housing News
Nonprofit to convert former Brooklyn hotel to apartments
The following articles highlight the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing. The firm was mentioned for the work by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.Nov 24, 2020 - Bisnow
This week's N.Y. deal sheet
This article on the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing mentions the firm for the work of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.Nov 24, 2020 - Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Jehovah's Witnesses' former DUMBO hotel to begin conversion to low-income housing
The following article highlights the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing. The firm was mentioned for the work by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.Nov 23, 2020 - Real Estate Weekly
Affordable developer secures financing for Watchtower hotel conversion
The following article highlights the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing. The firm was mentioned for the work by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.Nov 23, 2020 - NJBiz
Joint Venture Buys Jersey City Affordable Apartment Portfolio for $127M
This article mentions the firm for representing Hudson Valley Property Group LLC in its partnership with Nuveen Investments for the purchase of a 412-unit affordable apartment portfolio in Jersey City. The deal team included New York partner Aaron Yowell and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, Boston partner Chris Froeb, and Washington, D.C. partner Susanna Mitchell, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.Oct 22, 2020 - Affordable Housing Finance
Hudson Valley Property Group and Nuveen Acquire New Jersey Portfolio
This article mentions the firm for representing Hudson Valley Property Group LLC in its partnership with Nuveen Investments for the purchase of a 412-unit affordable apartment portfolio in Jersey City. The deal team included New York partner Aaron Yowell and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, Boston partner Chris Froeb, and Washington, D.C. partner Susanna Mitchell, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.Oct 21, 2020 - National Real Estate Investor
Affordable Housing Developers Build War Chests to Buy Properties
This article, on how developers and investors dedicated to preserving affordable housing are raising capital to bid for properties, quotes New York Affordable Housing & Real Estate strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen for her thoughts on buyers’ potential opportunities to purchase several types of properties.Oct 14, 2020 - Real Estate Weekly
Nuveen JV buys 400-unit affordable apartment portfolio
This article mentions the firm for representing Hudson Valley Property Group LLC in its partnership with Nuveen Investments in the purchase of a 412-unit affordable apartment portfolio in Jersey City. The deal team included New York partner Aaron Yowell and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, Boston partner Chris Froeb, and Washington, D.C. partner Susanna Mitchell, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.Oct 13, 2020 - Affordable Housing Finance
Affordable Developers Look to Older Apartment Buildings
This article quotes New York Affordable Housing and Real Estate strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen on a potentially historic opportunity to address the affordable housing crisis by accessing some older properties not originally built as affordable housing.Sep 22, 2020 - National Real Estate Investor
Apartment Developers Scout Adaptive Reuse Possibilities
In this article on apartment developers and their outlook on the real estate market, New York Affordable Housing & Real Estate strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen is quoted on the possible use of hotels for affordable housing.Sep 16, 2020 - Multi-Housing News
JV Completes $53M Redevelopment of Bronx Senior Community
This article on Fort Schuyler House, a 138-unit affordable senior housing community in the Bronx, mentions NP for the work of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Joe Lynch and Meghan Altidor, and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen representing the developer in the deal.Aug 6, 2020 - Affordable Housing Finance
HUD Makes COVID-19 Relief Funds Available
This article on the $224 million in supplemental payments that the Department of Housing and Urban Development is making available to owners of properties receiving project-based rental assistance links to New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate counsel Kathie Soroka and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen’s client alert on the topic.July 28, 2020 - Affordable Housing Finance
Addressing the Threat of Homelessness
In this article detailing progress and challenges that housing programs face in their fight against homelessness, New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen provides her perspective on why affordability remains one of the biggest challenges.June 23, 2020 - Housing Finance
Key takeaways from HUD’s FAQs on COVID-19
New York City Affordable Housing and Real Estate Strategic Policy Advisor Deborah VanAmerongen analyzes new COVID-19 guidance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for owners and managers of HUD-assisted housing.March 16, 2020
Education
State University of New York, Rockefeller College, M.P.A.
Syracuse University, Utica College, B.S.
Professional activities
- Affordable Housing Finance magazine, Board of Editors
- National Council of State Housing Agencies’ Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Task Force, Past Co-chair
- New York State Association for Affordable Housing, Board of Directors
- Housing Advisory Group, Board of Directors
- National Housing & Rehabilitation Association
- National Leased Housing Association
- Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition
Insights And Happenings
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Partner
Chief Innovation Officer- New York
- Office:+1 212.940.3161
- ayowell@nixonpeabody.com
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