WNC Founder and Chairman Wilfred Cooper, Sr. Inducted into CA Homebuilding Foundation’s Hall of Fame

Irvine, Calif.—Wilfred Cooper, Sr., founder and chairman of WNC & Associates, will be honored as an inductee into the California Homebuilding Foundation’s (CHF) Hall of Fame today. Cooper, Sr., is known for making the first affordable housing investment in the United States.

As chairman of WNC’s board of directors, Cooper, Sr. is one of the affordable housing industry’s most renowned advocates, having testified before multiple Congressional committees. He has advocated for the establishment and advancement of Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) legislation and the Community Reinvestment Act.

Throughout his career, he has served as senior life director of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), national trustee for NAHB’s Political Action Committee, chairman of NAHB’s Multifamily Council and as a member of NAHB’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit Steering Group.

Cooper, Sr. also volunteers with several nonprofit organizations, serving on the Board of Advisors for Jamboree Housing and the Board of Directors for Volunteers of America and the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (TSA).

Cooper, Sr. founded WNC & Associates in 1971 as one of the first affordable housing investors in the U.S., growing the firm’s portfolio to more than $5 billion in assets spanning more than 1,100 properties in 45 states. WNC was one of the first companies to apply for and receive an allocation for New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) and has been awarded four NMTC allocations to date, totaling $178 million, which has facilitated the development of 15 community renewal projects.

The CHF Hall of Fame honors individuals who are active within the building industry and are involved in public service to civic, social and philanthropic organizations. Its 187 honorees are recognized for contributions that have resulted in the long-term advancement of construction, development, marketing, finance or related services.