NASHVILLE, Tn. (Aug. 20, 2025) — The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) and Gallatin Housing Authority celebrated the grand opening of Sumner Garden Courts on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The 48-unit project was financed in part through low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) awarded by THDA with an equity investment of $10.7 million.
By providing tax credits to developers, the LIHTC program encourages private investment in projects that serve households earning 60% or less of the area median income, ensuring rent restrictions keep units affordable for those who need them most. This vital program strengthens communities by expanding the supply of safe, quality affordable housing through new construction, rehabilitation of older buildings and preservation of existing affordable units.
“The Sumner County community is gaining a great asset with the opening of Sumner Garden Courts,” said Ralph Perrey, Executive Director of THDA. “Our agency is proud to support the Gallatin Housing Authority on this project and showcasing the difference the low-income housing tax credit program can make in our communities.”
According to the ACTION Campaign, the LIHTC program has financed 95,049 apartments and served approximately 221,464 households in Tennessee. Additionally, the program has supported 154,165 jobs for one year while generating $17.4 billion in wages and business income and $6.25 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues.
The new affordable housing complex, located on S. Westland Avenue, is being operated and managed by Elmington Property Management, a world-class leader in property management that specializes in managing new construction, A-C assets and affordable communities across the country.
The complex will provide two- and three-bedroom garden-style homes with washer/dryer hookups, walk-in closets and central heating and cooling. Residents will also have access to a community room, splash pad, grill area, computer center and playground.
“Sumner Gardens Court stands as a symbol of the Gallatin Housing Authority’s commitment to addressing Sumner County’s affordable housing needs, specifically, low-income families,” said Michael A. Bates, Executive Director of Gallatin Housing Authority. “Each day, forty-eight families wake up in a safe and vibrant community. It is because of THDA’s 9% LIHTC program that our mission and vision of making a lasting and impactful change in the lives of low-income families are made possible. We are forever grateful; we are part of the solution to the affordable housing crisis.”