Introduction
Kathie served as Senior Counsel to the General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during the Obama Administration before joining Nixon Peabody’s Affordable Housing practice group. Through her years at HUD and in the private sector, Kathie has extensive experience navigating regulatory requirements in all types of affordable housing transactions and is one of the nation’s foremost professionals in public housing repositioning, including the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Section 18 demolition/disposition and Section 22 conversion.
My focus
Regulatory advice
From the outside, government agencies can often feel like black boxes, where it’s unclear whom to talk to, what to do or how to even get your request heard. Because of my experience with HUD, I can help clients navigate the regulatory landscape. Together we can assess issues and think strategically about paths forward. I help resolve clients’ concerns, whether they involve interpreting and reconciling program requirements, negotiating a resolution to open investigations and enforcement actions or structuring the next opportunity.
Affordable housing transactions
I handle all types of affordable housing transactions. During my time at HUD, I helped develop the RAD program, harmonize LIHTC and FHA multifamily requirements, update the Section 232 health care documents and rewrite the 2530 regulations. In private practice, I have represented developers, housing authorities and public entities, syndicators and other players in LIHTC and other affordable housing transactions. I am able to advise clients on issues raised by HUD and to navigate the complex requirements of multi-layered transactions.
Advising the industry
I am passionate about affordable housing and community development and eager to keep our industry growing and moving forward. Speaking at industry events, networking and sharing knowledge and collaborating with stakeholders ensures that we keep each other current on emerging issues and new opportunities.
Looking ahead
Today’s shifting sands and changing realities require nimble and creative thinking. We’re seeing uncertainty in the conventional market, which makes government assistance more attractive. We continue to see expansion and growing interest in the RAD program and HUD’s repositioning tools.
/Insights
Publications
- “The Next Frontier: Post-RAD Transactions,” Affordable Housing Finance, May 31, 2023 (co-author)
- “INSIGHT: RAD Road to Recovery—HUD Program, Tax Credit Offer Stable Investments,” Bloomberg Tax, June 23, 2020
- “Top 5 Ways to Use Opportunity Zone Funds in LIHTC Deals,” Affordable Housing Finance, February 7, 2019 (co-author)
- “Tips to Avoid Common RAD Pitfalls,” Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits, September 2018 (co-author)
- “Practitioner’s Guide to Secondary Financing in FHA Programs,” ABA Book Publishing, 2018 (co-author)
- “User Guide to HUD’s Previous Participation Review Process (aka “2530 approval”),” ABA Book Publishing, 2017 (co-author)
- “Playing Nice in the Sandbox: Collaboration between HUD and the Forum Improves Affordable Housing Policy,” 25 Journal of Affordable Housing and Community Development Law 2 (February 2017)
- “RAD-ical changes at HUD,” 23 Journal of Affordable Housing and Community Development Law 1 (2014)
Presentations
- “Revised RAD Guidance on Rents and More,” NLHA 2025 Mid-Year Meeting, January 22, 2025
- “HUD 3: The 101 on 202s ,” Forum on Affordable Housing & Community Development Law 2024 Annual Meeting, May 22, 2024
- “Financial Structuring in RAD Developments,” NCSHA's HFA Institute 2024, January 11, 2024
- “Asset Management Roundtable”, NLHA 51st Annual Membership Meeting, June 22, 2023
- “The Way You Do the Things You Do: RAD Legal Best Practices,” 32nd Annual Conference Forum on Affordable Housing and Community Development, May 24, 2023
- “Rental Assistance Demonstration Update,” NLHA 50th Annual Membership Meeting, June 23, 2022
- “Recent Developments in the RAD Program,” 2022 Forum on Affordable Housing Annual Meeting, May 26, 2022
- “Bonus Session:Repositioning Public Housing,” Assisted Housing’s New Frontier: 2022 Mid-Year NLHA Membership Meeting, January 26, 2022
- “Mastering Compliance in a Pandemic,” National Leased Housing Association's (NLHA) Mature Section 8 Project Seminar, October 28, 2021
- “HUD: Assisted and Public Housing Preservation Tool Kit,” ABA 2021 Fall Deep Dive, October 15, 2021
- “Non-profit Affiliates – Pitfalls to Avoid in their Formation and Operation,” Housing Development Law Institute Virtual Spring Conference, May 7, 2021
- “Legal Exposure during COVID-19 & Other Emergencies,” Housing and Development Law Institute (HDLI) General Counsel Virtual Forum, Webinar, February 25, 2021
- “RAD 101: The Basics Workshop,” Novogradac 2021 RAD Public Housing Virtual Conference, Webinar, January 13, 2021
- “HUD Roundtable on Repositioning,” NAHRO Online: 2020 National Conference, Webinar, November 18, 2020
- “Housing Authority Collaboration Best Practices,” Illinois Affordable Housing Forum, Illinois Housing Council, Chicago, IL, March 2-3, 2020
- “Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Developments & Case Studies,” NH&RA Annual Meeting & Symposium, Palm Beach, FL, February 28, 2020
- “2020 RAD Update: Rev-4, RAD for PRAC & Hot Topics,” ABA Teleconference, February 26, 2020
- “Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (RAD) Updates,” Institute for Responsible Housing Preservation: Affordable Housing Preservation Symposium, New York, NY, January 22, 2020
- “PHA Options: Streamlined Voluntary Conversions, Section 18,” Novogradac 2020 RAD Public Housing Conference, January 9, 2020
- “Repositioning Options: Navigating among RAD, Section 18, and Section 22,” NAHRO 2019 National Conference, October 2019
- “Repositioning of PHA Portfolio: Leveraging HUD’s Toolbox of Program Resources,” PHADA Annual Convention & Exhibition, Fort Lauderdale, FLA, June 5, 2019
- “Practical Applications in Opportunity Zones,” IPED, March 2019
- “Opportunity Zones 101,” Eastern Lenders Conference, March 2019
- “New Affordable Housing Resources and Opportunities,” Illinois Governor's Conference, February 2019
- “Today's HUD Front-Burner issues,” HDLI General Counsel Forum, January 2019
- “Asset Management Roundtable,” NLHA January 2019
- “Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Update,” Institute for Responsible Housing Preservation, September 2018
- “Understanding FHA Loan Programs,” Institute for Responsible Housing Preservation, September 2018
- “Community Development Financing Toolbox,” NAHRO Summer Conference, July 2018
- “RAD Progress and Best Practices,” National Leased Housing Association Annual Membership Meeting, June 2018
- “RAD: Keys to a Successful Transaction,” ABA Forum on Affordable Housing annual meeting, May 2018
- “HUD’s Previous Participation Regulations (2530 Revised),” ABA Forum on Affordable Housing annual meeting, May 2017
- “Heard from HUD,” ABA Forum on Affordable Housing annual meeting, May 2016
In the news
- Affordable Housing Finance
HUD delivers a mixed bag of changes to RAD program
Feb 19, 2025Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Kathie Soroka of New York City, deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, partner Meghan Altidor of New York City, and associate David Hornstein of Washington, DC contributed this article, which discusses the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s latest guidance related to the Rental Assistance Demonstration program.
- Real Estate Finance Journal
Department of Housing and Urban Development offers guidance on budget-based rent adjustments for mark-to-market portfolio
July 12, 2024Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen of Los Angeles, partners Nate Cushman of Washington, DC and Kathie Soroka of New York City, senior counsel Steve Wallace of Washington, DC, and counsel Rebecca Simon of Washington, DC and Anthony Ruvolo of San Francisco contributed this article, which covers HUD guidance on budget-based rent adjustments for mark-to-market portfolios.
- New England Real Estate Journal
Nixon Peabody closes transaction to finance Worcester redevelopment
June 21, 2024This article covers a complex financing transaction that kicked off the first phase of a planned redevelopment of a Worcester (MA) Housing Authority property. Washington, DC Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Dara Histed is quoted in the coverage for representing Trinity Financial in the transaction. The NP team representing Trinity Financial also included strategic policy advisor and AHRE deputy practice leader Deborah VanAmerongen, New York City partner Kathie Soroka, Boston counsel Karla Chaffee, Boston associate Ali Sisson, Washington, DC associate David Hornstein, and Boston paralegal Vienna Kim, all of the AHRE practice.
- Affordable Housing Finance
Nation’s first GRRP deal closes in Massachusetts
May 20, 2024This article features NP for closing the nation’s first Green & Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) transaction for client Wollaston Lutheran Church’s Bauer House senior residences in Quincy, Massachusetts. Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Alex Rosso of Boston and Kathie Soroka of New York City are quoted in the coverage, discussing key details of the transaction and its impact. The NP team representing Bauer House also included AHRE senior counsel Jeff Sacks of Boston and senior paralegal Christine Brosonski of Washington, DC.
- Seniors Housing Business
Nixon Peabody arranges green retrofit financing for Bauer House in Quincy, Massachusetts
May 15, 2024The following article highlights NP for closing the nation’s first Green & Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) transaction for client Wollaston Lutheran Church’s Bauer House senior residences in Quincy, Massachusetts. The NP team representing Bauer House in the transaction included Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Alex Rosso of Boston and Kathie Soroka of New York City, Boston senior counsel Jeff Sacks, and Washington, DC senior paralegal Christine Brosonski.
- Bisnow
This week’s Boston deal sheet
May 13, 2024The following article highlights NP for closing the nation’s first Green & Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) transaction for client Wollaston Lutheran Church’s Bauer House senior residences in Quincy, Massachusetts. The NP team representing Bauer House in the transaction included Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Alex Rosso of Boston and Kathie Soroka of New York City, Boston senior counsel Jeff Sacks, and Washington, DC senior paralegal Christine Brosonski.
- Law360
Nixon Peabody closes green retrofit deal for Massachusetts housing
May 8, 2024This article highlights NP for closing the nation’s first Green & Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) transaction for client Wollaston Lutheran Church’s Bauer House senior residences in Quincy, Massachusetts. Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Alex Rosso of Boston and Kathie Soroka of New York City, Boston senior counsel Jeff Sacks, and Washington, DC senior paralegal Christine Brosonski are mentioned in the article for representing Bauer House in the transaction, and Kathie is also quoted.
- Affordable Housing Finance
HUD releases guidance on budget-based rent adjustments for Mark-to-Market portfolio
March 6, 2024Washington, DC Affordable Housing & Real Estate senior counsel Steve Wallace and counsel Anthony Ruvolo contributed this article highlighting the latest guidance issued by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development on budget-based rent adjustment opportunities for Mark-to-Market portfolios as authorized in the 2023 Appropriations Act. The article is based on a client alert co-authored by Steve and Anthony as well as Strategic Policy Advisor and AHRE deputy practice leader Deborah VanAmerongen, New York City partner Kathie Soroka, and Washington, DC partner Nate Cushman and counsel Rebecca Simon, all of the AHRE practice.
- New York Real Estate Journal
Virgin Islands Housing Authority and MDG Design + Construction celebrate completion of phase one of $116.7 million preservation of affordable housing development
Oct 17, 2023This article, which covers the Virgin Islands Housing Authority and MDG Design + Construction (MDG) completing a first phase of affordable housing renovation at Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion in St. Croix, mentions NP for serving as legal counsel to MDG. The NP team was led by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Meghan Altidor and included AHRE deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen of Los Angeles, and New York City AHRE partner Kathie Soroka and associate Alexandra Hohauser.
- CARH News
Counsel’s corner: HUD issues supplemental RAD notice
Oct 9, 2023This article discusses updates and revisions included in a recent notice published by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, which supplements an existing revision of a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) notice. The article was co-written by Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader Deborah VanAmerongen of Los Angeles, New York City AHRE partner Kathie Soroka, and Washington, DC AHRE counsel Chaundi Randolph.
- CARH News
Counsel’s corner: HUD issues supplemental RAD notice
Oct 6, 2023This article discusses updates and revisions included in a recent notice published by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, which supplements an existing revision of a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) notice. The article was co-written by Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader Deborah VanAmerongen of Los Angeles, New York City AHRE partner Kathie Soroka, and Washington, DC AHRE counsel Chaundi Randolph.
- 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.
- Law360
Law360 names attorneys who moved up the firm ranks in Q1
May 17, 2023This article featuring partner-level promotions in the first quarter of 2023 mentions Chicago Project Finance & Public Finance partner Julie Seymour’s appointment to NP’s Management Committee. The article also highlights members of the 2023 new partner class: Boston Intellectual Property partner Ravi Braich; Long Island Healthcare partner Jason Chimon; Washington, DC Community Development Finance partner Emily McKinney; New York City Complex Disputes partner Alper Tosun; and Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Julia Casteleiro, Ari Glatt, and Kathie Soroka of New York and Ian O’Banion from San Francisco.
- New York Law Journal
Attorneys on the move
Feb 16, 2023This article highlighting recent legal industry moves across New York State includes the promotions of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Julia Casteleiro, Ari Glatt, and Kathie Soroka; New York City Complex Disputes partner Alper Tosun; and Long Island Healthcare partner Jason Chimon.
- Affordable Housing Finance
People on the move
Feb 14, 2023This article highlighting recent personnel moves from around the affordable housing sector includes the promotions of Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Julia Casteleiro and Kathie Soroka of New York City and Ian O’Banion of San Francisco, and Community Development Finance partner Emily McKinney of Washington, DC.
- Crain’s New York Business
People on the move
Feb 13, 2023This article highlighting New York City-area job changes and board appointments includes the recent promotions of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Julia Casteleiro, Kathie Soroka, and Ari Glatt, New York City Complex Disputes partner Alper Tosun, and Long Island Healthcare partner Jason Chimon.
- Law360
Nixon Peabody promotes eight attorneys to partner
Feb 2, 2023This article spotlights the 2023 new partner class, which includes Long Island Healthcare partner Jason Chimon; Boston Intellectual Property partner Ravi Braich; New York City Complex Disputes partner Alper Tosun; Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Julia Casteleiro, Ari Glatt, and Kathie Soroka of New York and Ian O’Banion from San Francisco; and Washington, DC Community Development Finance partner Emily McKinney. The article also quotes CEO and Managing Partner Steve Zubiago.
- National Housing & Rehabilitation Association/HousingOnline.com
Nixon Peabody advises joint venture on California's first RAD for PRAC
The following article highlights NP’s work on a complex financing transaction and status conversion that will provide St. Stephens Retirement Center in San Diego with decades of financial certainty as well as funding to rehabilitate the property. This is the first deal ever in California to utilize the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) “RAD for PRAC” program, which can help owners of eligible seniors housing properties convert existing rental assistance contracts to enable access to private capital for conducting repairs and improvements, as well as maintaining ownership in affordable housing properties. Washington, DC senior counsel Monica Sussman and New York counsel Kathie Soroka led the deal team, which also included Washington, DC associate Brendan Cardella-Koll, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.June 22, 2021 - McKnight’s Senior Living
Actions and Transactions
The following article highlights NP’s work on a complex financing transaction and status conversion that will provide St. Stephens Retirement Center in San Diego with decades of financial certainty as well as funding to rehabilitate the property. This is the first deal ever in California to utilize the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) “RAD for PRAC” program, which can help owners of eligible seniors housing properties convert existing rental assistance contracts to enable access to private capital for conducting repairs and improvements, as well as maintaining ownership in affordable housing properties. Washington, DC senior counsel Monica Sussman and New York counsel Kathie Soroka led the deal team, which also included Washington, DC associate Brendan Cardella-Koll, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.June 21, 2021 - 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 - Bloomberg Tax
INSIGHT: RAD Road to Recovery—HUD Program, Tax Credit Offer Stable Investments
New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate counsel Kathie Soroka contributed this article on how the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program can be combined with low-income housing tax credits to provide stable investment opportunities in uncertain times.June 23, 2020 - Affordable Housing Finance
Top 5 Ways to Use Opportunity Zone Funds in LIHTC Deals
New York City Affordable Housing and Real Estate counsel Kathie Soroka and Boston Community Development Finance partner Forrest Milder contributed this article outlining five ways in which low-income housing tax credit transactions can benefit from opportunity zone funds.Feb 7, 2019 - The Gothamist
Private developers will soon maintain 62,000 NYCHA apartments
New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate counsel Kathie Soroka is quoted extensively in this story about the city’s plan to use the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration program to improve thousands of Section 8 apartments.Nov 16, 2018
Admitted to practice
Illinois
New Jersey
New York
Education
Harvard Law School, J.D.
Washington and Lee University, B.A., summa cum laude
Recognition
- Received a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2024 recognition in the field of Real Estate Law; listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch since 2023
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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