How to Get a $2.6 Billion Development Plan Approved: Learn how HAKC Did it With Nona Eath!

On the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast, the best podcast for affordable housing investments hosted by Kent Fai He, I sit down with Nona C. Eath, Executive Director of Housing Authority of Kansas City ("HAKC"), who is leading the team to execute one of the most comprehensive affordable housing plans in the country.This episode breaks down how Kansas City is working toward a $2.6 billion dollar development plan to create roughly 7,000 affordable homes, and more importantly, how a housing authority actually pulls something of that scale together.Nona explains that affordable housing at this level is never funded by a single program. It requires stacking capital intelligently across multiple tools, including Low Income Housing Tax Credits, bonds, lines of credit, balance sheet strength, city support, and housing trust fund resources. She frames housing authorities not as passive administrators, but as long-term developers, asset managers, and capital aggregators.She also walks through how land is sourced when cities want to move at scale. That includes housing authority-owned land, city-owned parcels, land banks, tax delinquent properties, abandoned hotels, vacant apartment complexes, and even former schools. The message is pretty clear ... waiting for perfect sites slows delivery. Creative sourcing accelerates it.Nona shares how governance matters just as much as financing. She explains how development plans move through committees, boards, and public processes, why timing and transparency are critical, and how internal teams must be built to manage assets long after construction is complete. More importantly, I loved how she emphasized a collaborative approach throughout the whole process!This episode offers a rare inside look at how cities and housing authorities can think like developers!Why This Episode MattersIt matters because Nona explains:• How housing authorities build capital stacks• Why one funding source is never enough• How land is sourced creatively at scale• Why governance and board process matter• How asset management capacity must grow with development• What it takes to deliver thousands of units over timeFor developers, investors, city leaders, and housing advocates, this episode provides real insight into large scale housing delivery.Common Questions This Episode Answers• How do housing authorities finance large development plans?• What capital sources or subsidies are used beyond LIHTC for affordable housing?• How do cities source land for affordable housing?• How long does it take to deliver thousands of units for a city?• What role does governance play in development?• Why is asset management critical after construction?• How can housing authorities act like developers?If you have questions or want to connect with Nona, you can reach her via email at: [email protected] DM any questions or content suggestions to Kent Fai He, affordable housing developer, educator, and host of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast, the best podcast for affordable housing investments in the United States.Disclaimer: This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not legal, financial, investment, insurance, or tax advice. It is not an offer or solicitation for any investments. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.#AffordableHousing #NonaEath #KentFaiHe #HousingAuthority #LIHTC #HousingFinance #PublicPrivatePartnerships #realestatedevelopment 00:00 Podcast Trailer 03:30  Intro (Getting to Know Nona: Her Background and Story) 06:49 What is the #1 Skill You Need to Succeed in Affordable Housing?12:31 How to Get a $2.6 Billion Housing Development Plan Approved?17:00 How Do You Finance a Large ($2.6B) Affordable Housing Development?22:40 How a $2.6 Billion Development Plan Enables Creative and Innovative Supportive Services25:50 How Stable Housing Helps Families Move Up, Not Just Get By!28:46 How Can Cities or Housing Authorities Source Properties for Development?36:02 What Team Structure Is Needed To Execute Big Development Projects?43:13 Why Do People Work In The Affordable Housing Industry...?46:16 Where/How to contact Nona?