Brian J. McDonough

Overview

He is a master in terms of negotiating, and he is well liked and respected by all participants, including the governmental funding partners. He sees the big picture and ensures that his client's primary goals are met, and he does not get lost in details which are unimportant.

- Chambers USA 2018

Mr. McDonough is a Shareholder in the Real Estate Department. He is a member of the Firm's Board of Directors as well as its Executive Committee, and he also is the Chairperson of the Firm's Affordable Housing & Tax Credit Practice Group. He represents developers using government loan programs, community housing development organizations and 501(c)(3) organizations using qualified 501(c)(3) bonds for multifamily housing developments. Brian assists clients with matters involving multifamily housing, low income housing tax credits and loan programs implemented by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. Brian also represents lenders in all types of real estate loans and in particular, loans related to affordable housing.

Brian is a frequent lecturer and panelist on current matters affecting affordable housing. In addition, Brian has authored several articles on matters affecting affordable housing.

Representative Experience

Represented large affordable housing developer in connection with the issuance of bonds on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
Represented Quest Inc. in securing construction financing and tax credit syndication totaling $16.8 million for Quest Village, an affordable apartment community for independent adults with developmental disabilities.
Representation of several sellers of multiple affordable housing properties, partnership interests and management company affiliates.
Negotiation and preparation of contracts for properties for new and existing multifamily apartment buildings throughout the State of Florida.
Negotiation of workouts of tax-exempt bond financed projects involving state and local issuers of bonds.
Representation of developers in the negotiation of the syndication of federal low income housing tax credits.
Issued, as an agent for various title companies, title insurance policies on behalf of owners and lenders in excess of $1 billion.
Assisted affordable housing developer, St. John Community Development Corporation and the CDP Companies, in the closing of the development and financing for St. John Plaza, a 90-unit apartment complex in Overtown, Miami. The project was financed through multiple sources, including bonds issued by the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Housing Finance Authority of Miami-Dade County.

Professional & Community Involvement

Founder & Executive Director, Give Kids A Chance (charitable organization providing scholarships to low-income students)
Legal Counsel, Coalition of Affordable Housing Providers (organization of developers, lenders, tax credit syndicators, and other professionals involved in the acquisition, financing, and development of affordable housing in Florida)
Board of Directors, Camillus House (provider of housing and supportive services to homeless)
Board of Directors, Casa Familia (provider of affordable housing and related services to intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals)

Recognition

Chambers USA, Real Estate (South Florida), 2015-2023
The Best Lawyers in America®, 2003-2023
- Miami Real Estate Law Lawyer of the Year, 2020
Florida Super Lawyers, 2006-2019
AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Publications & Presentations

Publications: Senate Bill 102: How the “Live Local Act” Incentivizes Affordable and Workforce Housing in the State of Florida
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|April 2023

Affordable Housing News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: Live Local Act Signed Into Law
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|April 2023

Publications: Live Local, Attainable Housing for Florida’s Workforce
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|January 2023

Land Development News Update, Publications: Hillsborough County Studying Comprehensive Plan Updates to Facilitate Affordable Housing
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|July 2021

Affordable Housing News Update, Publications: IRS Provides Tax Relief for Low-Income Housing Credit and Bonds for Qualified Rental Projects
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|July 2020

Land Development News Update, Publications: Update: IRS Provides Guidance for Big Capital Gains Break
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|October 2018

Publications: Why I Choose To “Give Kids A Chance”
The Miami Foundation |May 2017

Events: The Affordable Housing Credit Program – Current Trends
Royal American Owners Retreat|April 2015