CAHEC has released its fourth annual ESG Impact Report, detailing progress in sustainability, community investment, and organizational resilience throughout 2025. The report expands its scope to include CAHEC and its affiliates—CAHEC Management, Inc. (CMI) and CAHEC Properties Corporation (CPC)—providing a more complete picture of the organization's mission to foster thriving communities through affordable housing and equitable opportunities.
A key development in 2025 was CAHEC New Markets' receipt of a $75 million New Markets Tax Credit allocation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury's CDFI Fund. This award brings CAHEC's cumulative NMTC awards to $345 million and total investments to $270 million, channeling capital into high-distress communities. The allocation is expected to generate significant social returns, with projected outcomes including more than 3,500 jobs created, 5,400 student seats, 1,650 childcare spots, and 662 shelter and recovery beds. These investments are critical for underserved areas, where access to quality jobs, education, and healthcare remains a challenge.
The report also highlights a refreshed materiality assessment that incorporated input from internal and external stakeholders across CAHEC, CMI, and CPC. This updated assessment reinforces community impact as a core priority and provides a stronger foundation for CAHEC's ESG strategy. President and CEO Dana Boole stated, "Our refreshed materiality assessment confirms what drives us. Community is still at the core of everything we do, and our accountability to stakeholders matters more than ever. This report provides a stronger foundation to measure what matters and illustrate the full scope of CAHEC's impact."
CAHEC's voluntary alignment with leading frameworks—the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB FN-AC), and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)—demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability. Such alignment allows stakeholders to benchmark CAHEC's performance against industry standards and global sustainability targets.
In terms of portfolio results, CAHEC raised $162.1 million in equity, syndicated 39 communities comprising 1,650 units, and served 4,694 residents. Additionally, $374,100 was distributed in community investment grants, directly supporting local initiatives. Employee-driven community engagement also stood out, with team members contributing 1,340 volunteer hours across 13 partner organizations through the Team Outreach program. This hands-on involvement underscores CAHEC's dedication to building stronger communities beyond financial investments.
The implications of this report are significant for the affordable housing sector and community development. CAHEC's expanded NMTC allocation and strong portfolio results indicate a robust strategy for leveraging federal programs to attract private capital into low-income areas. The focus on measurable outcomes—such as jobs, student seats, and childcare spots—provides a model for other community development entities seeking to demonstrate impact. Moreover, the refreshed materiality assessment ensures that CAHEC's ESG strategy remains responsive to stakeholder needs, which is essential for long-term resilience and credibility.
For those interested in learning more about CAHEC's contributions to affordable housing and surrounding communities, visit CAHEC's website. The 2025 ESG Impact Report not only showcases CAHEC's achievements but also sets a benchmark for accountability and impact measurement in the community investment field.
