National CORE Ranked No. 2 Among Nonprofit Affordable Housing Developers in Latest AHF Top 50 List

June 2, 2026 — National CORE has been ranked No. 2 among nonprofit affordable housing developers on Affordable Housing Finance Magazine's Top 50 Developers list, the organization announced. The nonprofit also placed No. 25 on the overall Top 50 Developers list and No. 48 on AHF's Top 50 Owners list.

The rankings reflect National CORE's national footprint and an expanding pipeline of affordable housing communities across California, Texas and Florida.

Scale and Pipeline

National CORE owns and operates more than 110 affordable housing communities serving over 10,400 households of families, seniors, veterans and individuals who have experienced homelessness. In 2025, the company launched construction of 734 apartment homes and completed 348 apartment homes.

As of mid-2026, National CORE has 17 properties under construction, including two properties in Texas and two in Florida. Five additional communities are expected to start construction before year-end.

"Being recognized consistently among the nation's leading developers of affordable housing is a testament to National CORE's decades of work to build communities that strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunity for residents," National CORE President Michael Ruane said. "At every level of our organization, we are deeply committed to delivering high-quality affordable housing."

Vertical Integration

National CORE's vertically integrated structure brings together development, construction, property management and resident services teams at the earliest planning stages. The company says this approach is designed to ensure communities are financially sound, operationally effective and designed around resident needs.

The company's focus also encompasses health benefits associated with housing stability. It builds on those by partnering with nonprofit service providers to deliver health and wellness services for residents.

The Iris at San Ysidro

In December, National CORE celebrated its 25th San Diego community with the grand opening of The Iris at San Ysidro. The Iris offers 100 apartment homes for individuals and families earning between 25% and 60% of the area median income, including 15 apartments reserved for residents who have experienced homelessness.

Residents at The Iris receive services from an array of nonprofit providers, including the Hope through Housing Foundation.

National CORE also secured a $5 million state grant to renovate a nearby park to serve Iris residents and the broader neighborhood. Improvements include restoration of a children's playground along with new shade structures, security lighting and fitness equipment. A new high-intensity activated crosswalk, or HAWK, system was also installed to improve neighborhood walkability.