Affordable Housing Leader • Operational Excellence • Data-Driven Strategy
Susan
Tempesta
Founder & Principal Consultant,
Lily Pad Project LLC
Trusted advisor to developers, investors, and partners. Aligning vision, performance, and mission across every stage of the asset lifecycle — leveraging data, collaboration, and adaptive tools to keep portfolios strong in a changing world.
About Susan
For over 25 years, I've dedicated my career to helping affordable housing partnerships perform at their highest potential. I founded Lily Pad Project, LLC to reflect a simple idea:
When the surface is stable and clear, growth can thrive beneath it. My work is rooted in that philosophy.
I bring together ownership, management, and finance to align priorities. I solve problems by bringing innovative solutions to the table and create long-term value.
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, I work with developers, syndicators, and institutional investors across the U.S.
Today’s affordable housing environment evolves rapidly: from funding models to technology. I embrace that change. My approach is data-driven and AI-enabled, combining market analytics with on-the-ground insight to guide decisions that are both objective and human-centered. Whether adopting new tools or navigating market shifts, I help organizations stay focused, informed, and adaptive.
Lily Pad Project
Philosophy
Like a lily pad, when stability and clarity are in place, growth becomes effortless. The lily pad symbolizes balance, adaptability, and endurance — the same qualities that define how I work with clients and partners.
Every engagement begins with listening: understanding the unique dynamics of each partnership, the portfolio’s goals, and the people behind them. From there, I provide strategic oversight and operational frameworks that strengthen teams, protect investments, and create space for growth.
My work is grounded in this principle: bringing structure, clarity, and collaboration to an industry defined by complexity. I help affordable housing organizations build confidence through sound systems, transparent communication, and thoughtful strategy.
With more than 25 years of experience, I connect the practical realities of operations with the strategic vision of mission-driven partners, bringing balance to the business of affordable housing.
A 360° Perspective
By having served in all three capacities — GP, LP, and property management — I bring a comprehensive and specialized understanding of LIHTC structures, partnership dynamics, and asset lifecycle strategy. Few professionals have navigated each of these roles; that rarity shapes how I see the full picture.
This integrated view allows me to anticipate risks and identify opportunities early. I align people and processes around shared success, ensuring strategic decisions are grounded in both financial and human insight.
Today, that perspective extends beyond traditional asset management. I leverage data dashboards, AI-assisted analysis, and performance modeling to uncover trends and sub-market patterns that others might miss—translating complex information into clear, actionable strategy.
I balance that analytical rigor with understanding and engagement, working directly with staff and partners to understand the story behind the numbers.
GP
General Partner
Deep understanding of ownership priorities and strategic decision-making.
LP
Limited Partner
Insight into investor expectations and compliance requirements.
PM
Property Management
Hands-on experience with on-site realities and operational challenges.
Susan Tempesta
“I help organizations transform complexity into clarity and create lasting momentum across their portfolios.”
Experience Snapshot
My career spans more than two decades of leadership in affordable housing asset management and portfolio strategy.
25+
Years of Leadership
Dedicated to affordable housing excellence and strategic asset management.
25
States & Territories Served
Multi-state LIHTC portfolio experience across the United States.
41k+
Units Strengthened
Thousands of affordable housing units optimized for performance.
Core Areas of Expertise
Strategic insight meets operational excellence across every dimension of affordable housing asset management.
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Comprehensive analysis and strategic recommendations to maximize asset performance, improve cash flow, and align operations with ownership objectives across diverse portfolios
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Aligning management practices, data systems, and reporting to ensure efficient performance that drives results
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Building trust and communication between ownership, investors, lenders, and property management
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Thorough assessment of potential acquisitions, identifying risks and opportunities to inform investment decisions and post-acquisition integration strategies
Proven methodologies for successful property launches, from pre-development planning through stabilization, ensuring strong initial performance and long-term viability
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Expert guidance through compliance period transitions, partnership restructuring, and capital event planning to preserve affordability while optimizing financial outcomes
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Portfolio-level insight that strengthens decision-making and long-term sustainability
Let’s Connect
Lily Pad Project, LLC
If you're leading or investing in affordable housing, I'd love to connect.
You can reach me directly using the button below, fill out the contact form, or connect with me on LinkedIn — whichever is easiest.
Together, let’s make portfolios smarter, stronger, and more resilient!