- Closed on the conversion of dozens of public housing projects to Section 8 assistance under the HUD RAD program, including many phases of ongoing multi-phase redevelopments. Such projects included transfer of assistance, new construction, rehabilitation, Choice Neighborhoods Initiative grants, tax credits, and other sources of funding.
- Closed more than 150 FHA-insured loans, including loans with accounts receivable financing, master leases, ground leases, air rights, condominium regimes, tax credits, bonds, secondary financing, and restrictive covenants.
- Represented HUD’s interest in the construction and asset management of hospitals, providing counsel regarding mechanics liens, construction issues, cybersecurity breaches, and additional financing.
- Closed HUD’s first Shari’a-compliant, FHA-insured multifamily loan.
Sara Mooney
Washington, DC Office
Sara Mooney is of counsel whose practice includes expertise in affordable housing, HUD regulatory issues, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) conversions, and subsidized housing development. Sara has substantial experience with many HUD programs, including FHA-insurance for multifamily, residential care facilities, and hospitals. Prior to joining Reno & Cavanaugh, Sara spent more than 20 years as counsel at HUD, where she has negotiated and closed RAD deals since the inception of the RAD program. Sara has negotiated compliance with various HUD programs in conjunction with low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) and bonds, local loan programs, and the Federal Home Loan Bank’s affordable housing program. She also participated in drafting and updating several HUD handbooks and forms.{D1222457.DOCX / 2}4914-6091-3229, v. 1Sara Mooney is of counsel whose practice includes expertise in affordable housing, HUD regulatory issues,Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) conversions, and subsidized housing development. Sara hassubstantial experience with many HUD programs, including FHA-insurance for multifamily, residential carefacilities, and hospitals. Prior to joining Reno & Cavanaugh, Sara spent more than 20 years as counsel atHUD, where she has negotiated and closed RAD deals since the inception of the RAD program. Sara hasnegotiated compliance with various HUD programs in conjunction with low-income housing tax credits(LIHTC) and bonds, local loan programs, and the Federal Home Loan Bank’s affordable housing program.
Notable Matters
Major Prior Work Experience
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Presidential Management Intern, Associate Regional Counsel for Housing Finance Programs (Chicago), Chief Counsel (Los Angeles), Attorney-Advisor
Speaking Engagements
- Co-trainer, “Master Leases,” Eastern Lenders Association, March, 2013
- “Title and Survey Review on Rental Assistance Demonstration Projects,” HUD Field Managers Meeting, July, 2014
- “Interest Rate Reductions,” HUD Office of General Counsel and Multifamily Office of Asset Management, 2022
- “Subordinating and Restructuring Section 202 Direct Loans,” HUD Departmental Enforcement Center, 2023
Publications
- Legal Punchlist/Training Guide for Residential Healthcare Refinancings, HUD, 2014
- Legal Punchlist/Training Guide for New Construction and Substantial Rehabilitation of Residential Healthcare Facilities, HUD, 2014
Professional Activities
- HUD’s Office of Residential Care Facilities New Document Implementation Committee, Chairperson, 2014 to 2025
- HUD’s Office of Residential Care Facilities Firm Commitment Committee, 2020
- HUD’s Office of Multifamily Closing Guide Review Committee, 2020
- HUD’s Office of General Counsel Interest Rate Reduction Committee, 2022
- Excellence in Government Fellow, Partnership for Public Service, 2010 to 2011
Community Activities
- School Site Council, Parent Member and Chairperson, 2022 to present
- Costa Mesa High School PTSA, Treasurer and Auditor, 2022 to present
- Costa Mesa High School Girls Volleyball Booster Club, Member-at Large and Treasurer, 2024 to present
- Girls Scouts, Troop Treasurer, 2016 to 2017 and 2022 to 2023
- Moms Demand Action, Group Lead, 2015 to 2016
Education
University of California, Los Angeles, J.D.
Concordia University, Irvine, B.A. Business Management, History and Political Science, cum laude
Bar Admission
Illinois
Washington, DC
California