Developers' Tips for Success: Marcella Roberts, M. Roberts & Associates

August 16, 2024

This edition of Developers' Tips for Success features Marcella Roberts of M. Roberts & Associates. Participation in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and other federal housing programs requires significant individual and team experience/expertise, a tolerance for financial risk, and an ability to obtain major banking and credit relationships. We hope hearing from successful AHFA developers will inspire and educate others who are interested in becoming affordable housing owners/developers or increasing their level of experience. 

Q: How long have you worked in the affordable housing industry?

A: I have worked in the affordable housing industry for more than 20 years.

Q: What inspired you to participate in developing affordable housing?

A: As a banker, I saw the need for decent, quality housing for working-class families that did not have the means to purchase a home or rent market-rate housing. As a child, I grew up in a family with limited means, so we didn't have many options for quality housing in nice neighborhoods. However, I always believed that every child should have a nice, safe place they are proud to call home. I am honored that I get to make that a reality for so many families today.

Q: What are the key challenges or barriers to participating in this industry?

A: One key challenge today is a lack of information available and marketing to college students about the affordable housing industry as a valuable career choice. Another barrier is the lack of access to capital to support the financial requirements to carry a project from application to lease-up. The access to capital barrier prevents the affordable housing industry from being adequately represented by the gender, racial, ethnic and age groups that it serves.

Q: What are some of the challenges you've experienced along the way that have helped you grow and led to your expertise?

A: I'm grateful to have great mentors on this affordable housing journey, but one challenge that helped me grow was understanding the value of inclusion and partnerships in this industry: Inclusion, effective communication, and partnership within the industry and externally with those we serve. This can make the difference between "just an apartment complex" and the development of a strong community.

Q: Please share any tips to becoming a successful owner and/or developer. 

A: Develop a willingness to persevere through the hard times because success is on the other side. Be willing to train, mentor and bring others along the journey with you; it's no fun celebrating alone. 

Q: What tips would you give others who might be interested in a career in affordable housing development? 

A: Make sure you are passionate about affordable housing. It's more than making money; people's lives are at stake. Be prepared for the unexpected; every day is different. 

Q: What do you see as the greatest benefit of affordable housing? 

A: The greatest benefit to affordable housing is the actual creation of decent, safe, quality housing for working class families that will positively impact lives for years to come. 

Q: Describe your most memorable experience as a developer or your favorite property you’ve been involved with. 

A: My most memorable experience was the redevelopment of the Loveman Village property (now Villas at Titusville) in Birmingham, Alabama. The property is located near the neighborhood where I grew up. During my earlier years, I witnessed a beautiful, highly desired property for diverse families moving from segregated row houses. Loveman Village was built in 1952 with indoor plumbing, insulation, nice amenities and full brick in the middle-income neighborhood known as Titusville. Over the years due to improper maintenance and poor management, it became the eyesore of the west side, with crime and blight. Upon being chosen as the developer, and after seven years and three phases of development, the new home to more than 250 families was complete. Many long-term residents shed tears of joy as they walked into their new homes.

Q: Is there anything else that you would like to include? 

A: Many thanks to the Alabama Housing Finance Authority for the LIHTC program and the many ways you support the industry to make affordable housing a reality for families in Alabama.