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Meet Susan Ellinger

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Susan Ellinger has devoted her career to the advancement of affordable housing and community development throughout the country. Her journey in public service began as a housing authority director in key cities across South Carolina and North Carolina, laying the groundwork for her deep-rooted commitment to enhancing communities. Transitioning to law with a focus on housing and urban development, Susan was mentored by leaders like Senator Terry Sanford and Governor Robert McNair at Sanford & McNair. This experience shaped her approach to addressing complex housing challenges with a blend of strategic insight and a focus on community impact.

In 2008, Susan co-founded Ellinger & Carr, leveraging her extensive background to guide a wide array of housing initiatives, including financing, low-income housing tax credits, historic rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse as well as traditional HUD programs such as HOME, CDBG, RAD, Rural Development, Capital Grants, and HUD mortgage products. Her practice now encompasses representing diverse clients, including nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and forprofit developers, in achieving their development goals.

Recognized for her contributions with an AV Preeminent Peer Review and as North Carolina Legal Elite in 2024, Susan’s influence extends beyond her practice. She actively contributes to the legal community, speaking at seminars and serving on the Housing Authority Board of Raleigh, embodying her commitment to fostering accessible housing and vibrant communities.

 

Susan’s speaking engagements include the following:

  • NIMBY, Non-Profits, Negligence, Need to Know and Nolo Contendrere: A review of the law, HUD regulations, and new developments affecting Housing Authorities. Carolinas Council of Housing and Redevelopment Officials Annual Commissioners Conference, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
  • Housing Authorities, Boards, and Affiliates; Roles in Tax Credit Transactions; Fall Workshop, Southeastern Regional Conference of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
  • Tax Credits 101, Annual Meeting, Southeastern Regional Conference of Housing, a division of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, Birmingham, AL.
  • Legal Opinions: Unraveling the Mystique; American Bar Association Forum on Affordable Housing Annual Convention, Washington, DC.

Memberships:

  • Member of the North and South Carolina Bar Associations