UROP Project
Proximity vs Opportunity, how does the LIHTC application process in FL shape LIHTC placement from Developers’ Perspective
Low-income Tax Credit, Affordable Housing, Real Estate Development, Urban Planning
Research Mentor: Chao Wang,
Department, College, Affiliation: Urban and Regional Planning, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: cw22k@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Urban and Regional Planning, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: cw22k@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Urban Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Real Estate, Public Administration, Social Science
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Urban Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Real Estate, Public Administration, Social Science
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9739724416
Project Description
Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) program is considered the primary subsidy for supply of affordable rental housing in the U.S. Empirical evidence shows that LIHTC units are disproportionally located in high poverty concentrated and low opportunity areas (McClure, 2019; Kuai, 2024). In Florida, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) administers LIHTC program, utilizing the Request for Applications (RFA) process to solicit competitive LIHTC applications proposed by developers and select projects for LIHTC awards. In 2016, FHFC introduced GAO/SADDA Funding Goal in its RFAs, aiming to further incentivize LIHTC development to be built in the higher opportunity areas. This research investigates how the GAO/SADDA Funding Goal, as well as other relevant geographic evaluation criteria, shape developers’ site selection decisions in the RFA process. RFA documents submitted by developers from 2016 to 2025 will be reviewed and analyzed to understand the role of GAO/SADDA Funding Goal in the RFA process. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with developers who pursued GAO/SADDA Funding Goal to understand how this criteria influences developers site selection decisions.Research Tasks: Data collection, Application Document Review, Data Analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Microsoft Excel (required), Attention to detail (required), Experience reviewing documents and extracting information (recommended)
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy includes three indispensable elements ––guidance, support, and encouragement. Providing guidance is a central element of my mentoring philosophy. As a mentor, I strive to help and guide my mentees in addressing the issues they identify. I aim to offering concrete suggestions and actionable advice on how to move forward when encountering challenges and difficultiesBeing supportive is another important element. Whether my mentees are considering a future as researchers, practitioners, or a combination of both, I hope to share my experiences to help them explore their options based on their interests. As a first-generation college student in my family, I understand the confusion and uncertainty that can come with navigating different resources. I am committed to support my mentees identify available resources so they can succeed without feeling lost or overwhelmed.
A final part is encouragement. Research often involves complex concepts and an iterative process of refinement, which can feel intimidating. However, discovering the unknown can also be exciting. I seek to explore these unknowns together with my mentees, encouraging one another and collaboratively finding solutions. I view the mentoring relationship as a shared journey—a challenging but rewarding adventure where we learn and grow side by side.