David Lipsetz

THRIVE RURAL THEORY OF CHANGE (TOC) WORKING GROUP, ASPEN CSG

The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is a national nonprofit helping rural communities address poverty and prosper since 1971. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices across the country, HAC builds the capacity of community-based nonprofits, local governments and private organizations that serve small towns and rural places through a combination of technical assistance, training, research and affordable loans. HAC also works closely with federal officials and policymakers to shape national policies and programs that are responsive to rural community needs. Affordable housing is at the core of HAC’s work, with an emphasis on helping people in the poorest and most rural places.

Before joining HAC as President and CEO, David managed national housing policy and programs at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD,) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Obama Administration. As a Senior Advisor and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing at HUD, he managed policy, programs and legislative initiatives. Later, as an Associate Administrator for Rural Housing and Community Facilities at USDA, he oversaw more than $100 billion in direct lending, mortgage guarantees, grants and technical assistance for community and economic development in rural America. Prior to federal service, David worked for local housing agencies in New York and California and as a Legislative Assistant on Capitol Hill.

David was born and raised in Ohio and West Virginia. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Michigan State University and two master’s degrees from the Ohio State University, in Sociology and City and Regional Planning. He currently resides in Washington, DC with his wife and kids.