Michael Rodgers

Michael Rodgers is the Vice President of Poplar Development Group. Michael oversees the development, rehabilitation, and construction of affordable housing communities across the Southeast, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. He is also responsible for financial modeling, coordinating with design and construction, and managing the successful closing and completion of projects. Michael’s experience in affordable housing includes developing award-winning new construction projects as well as structuring the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing properties. These projects made use of a wide array of financial sources, including 4% and 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), tax exempt bond issuances, conventional construction and permanent debt, and competitive public funds. The developments minimized displacement in high-growth areas of North Carolina and created or preserved over 2,200 units of affordable housing. Examples include a mixed-use, transit-oriented downtown development with structured parking and large-scale public art, the redevelopment of a 24-acre site to include mixed-income housing and affordable, 5-star childcare, and a Purpose-Built Community that includes affordable housing, a YMCA, retail, and a public elementary school. Prior to focusing on the development and rehabilitation of housing, Michael worked in LIHTC syndication and invested in LIHTC projects across the Southeast. Investments included 4% and 9% new construction projects, adaptive reuse, and acquisition rehabilitation portfolios of up to 40 projects. His work has been featured in Affordable Housing Finance, Urban Land Institute (ULI), and on National Public Radio. Among others, notable awards include Best Rental Development from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, Best Mixed-Use Development from ULI, and the Community Enhancement Award from TCREW. Before entering the world of affordable housing, Michael managed the legislative office of a delegate in Virginia’s General Assembly where he was responsible for constituent and industry relations, researching and writing legislation, and representing the elected official at public events. He also served as the Director of Communications for a successful reelection campaign, helping guide the delegate to victory in a battleground district. His other professional experience includes residential and historic carpentry work. Michael lives in Durham, North Carolina with his wife and three children. He serves on the board of directors of Reinvestment Partners, as a representative on the Duke University Affordable Housing Council, and coaches baseball in Bull City Little League.