Heather McDowell joined Ellinger & Carr in 2009, bringing a commitment to affordable housing and community development. Specializing in a solution-oriented approach, Heather works with developers, faith-based organizations, nonprofit groups, and municipal lenders on affordable housing transactions and community development projects. Her expertise spans multiple layers of financing, including CDBG and HOME loan financing, AHP financing, HUD 202 financing, low-income housing tax credits, and multifamily housing revenue bond financing.
As lead counsel, Heather guides developer clients through the complexities of negotiation, exploring real estate and title issues, and navigating intricate financial structures to ensure successful project closings. Additionally, she provides valuable counsel to municipalities on community development efforts, assists with the development of lending programs, and fosters partnerships for affordable housing initiatives.
Prior to joining Ellinger & Carr, Heather engaged in local, state, and federal lobbying with the City of New Orleans Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations from 2002 to 2007, enriching her perspective on legal advocacy and policy development.
Heather is an active contributor to the legal community as a member of the NC WAHN, Previous Chair and Co-Chair, and NC Young Lawyers’ Division Wills for Heroes Program. She also conducts CLE presentations at CCHRCO conferences on employment and public housing authority law. Heather has been recognized as a North Carolina Legal Elite in 2021 and 2024.
Education and Admissions:
- Tulane Law School (J.D.)
- Ursinus College (B.A. in English/German)
- Admitted to practice in New York, Louisiana, North Carolina