Affordable Housing Education

Leadership in Affordable Housing Certificate (LAHC)

In partnership with Hamline University, the two-semester Leadership in Affordable Housing Certification Program covers the economics of affordable housing as well as the history and key political and economic issues that created the affordable housing crisis. Armed with this knowledge, you can identify opportunities and become an industry innovator.

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Education Leadership Center
Leadership Affordable Housing Certificate

LAHC Course 1
Course 1 engages in an interdisciplinary exploration of the roots of the affordable housing crisis.

The next offering will begin in January 2024. The class meets bi-monthly Tuesdays from 5:30–8 p.m. and the following Wednesday from 5:30–7:30 p.m.; January 23 - May 1.

LAHC Course 2
Course 2 enhances problem-solving skills to increase students’ command of policymaking and influence across multiple entities in government, industry, and the nonprofit sectors. Through interactive case studies, students will enhance their potential for leadership in their fields.

The next offering will begin in August 2024. The class meets bi-monthly Wednesdays from 5:30–8 p.m. and the following Thursday from 5:30–7:30 p.m.; August 28 – December 5.

LAHC course overview:

Housing is critical to one’s health and wellbeing and central to the livability of neighborhoods and the economic success of cities. Yet, the United States is experiencing an affordable housing crisis. A shortage of homes for working-class and low-income families is pushing up house prices and rents, putting homeownership out of reach for many Americans and making rents so high that families have little left to cover the cost of health care, cover surprise bills, or save for retirement or a child’s postsecondary education. The affordability crunch has also intensified housing precarity.

In this course, students will engage in an interdisciplinary exploration of the roots of the affordable housing crisis. They will learn the impacts of government policies on equity and affordability in the housing market and understand the successes and limitations of policies that have not fully addressed the problem. Through solutions-based scholarship and active learning, students will become problem solvers in their fields.

Scholarships are available. After registering with Hamline University, email elc@ahcinc.net for an application.

Student learning outcomes:

In this course, students will:

  • Gain knowledge of the historical origins of the current housing crisis/problems
  • Gain knowledge of the history of federal, state, and local government intervention in housing markets
  • Understand issues of equity and access in housing policies and markets
  • Identify the achievements and limitations of affordable housing policies of the past and examine emerging efforts to address the housing problem
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"Lyn and Barbara's approach is incredibly mindful and rooted in decades of experience. The certificate changed the way I look at housing. I highly recommend that anyone with an interest in housing looking to make an impact in the world take these courses."

Ben Werner

Planner, Metropolitan Urban Design (MUD)

“My experience in the Leadership in Affordable Housing program has led me to learn topics to better understand the history of affordable housing and how to create opportunities of change for the future in affordable housing. This course opened my knowledge base to topics I was not interested in and has given me the confidence to promote affordable housing and services within the community and agency I serve. The Leadership in Affordable Housing program is the only "higher education" course that I know of that will teach students the fundamentals of affordable housing and allow students to grow no matter their role.”

Catie LeMay

Housing Case Manager, Sanford Bemidji Medical Center

“Through my time in the Affordable Housing Leadership Certification Program I was able to learn about the history and current challenges facing the affordable housing industry. Through the program I was able to integrate what I learned with my own experience and am now using the entirety of that knowledge in the field. Along with the knowledge, I also gained an incredible network of friends and colleagues. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to increase their impact in the Housing field!”

Gunnar Carlson

Community Engagement Manager, Riverton Community Housing

LAHC: Leadership in Affordable Housing

Leadership in Affordable Housing Scholarship Fund

From the first cohort in 2021, AHC and its supporters have provided scholarships to LAHC students. AHC's goal is that a lack of financial resources should not prevent any student from pursuing the course.

If you, too, want to support future leaders in affordable housing, please consider a tax-deductible donation.

Thanks to the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund for their generous support of the LAHC Scholarship Fund.

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