Kirsten (Kiry) Nelsen

Kiry Nelsen is known for her attentive approach to client service, taking the time to listen to her clients’ needs and concerns. She is dedicated to understanding each client’s challenges and goals and consistently develops practical and effective solutions tailored to address them.  

Kiry focuses largely on affordable housing development and financing. She leverages her understanding of low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs), tax-exempt bonds, and public funding to structure and facilitate the financing of affordable housing projects. This involves advising on eligibility requirements, coordinating with state housing agencies and other government funders, and structuring transactions. Kiry works closely with clients to negotiate partnership agreements with equity investors as a part of the LIHTC structure.  

Additionally, Kiry assists with utilizing tax-exempt bonds as a means of financing for affordable housing. She advises clients on the structuring of bond issuances, collaborates with bond counsel and underwriters, and helps navigate the regulatory landscape governing tax-exempt financing. Her role often includes drafting and negotiating the necessary financing documents and coordinating the closing of complex, multilayered financing transactions. 

Kiry’s landlord-side leasing focus is also a significant component of her real estate work, reflecting her comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in commercial leasing transactions. She represents a diverse range of property owners, from institutional investors to public entities, guiding them through every stage of the leasing process. Kiry assists clients with drafting, negotiating, and reviewing lease agreements for various property types, including office buildings, retail centers, industrial facilities, and mixed-use developments. 

Kiry regularly counsels clients on the structuring of complex real estate transactions, offering strategic and practical advice to address challenging legal and business issues. She is highly skilled in managing all phases of the transaction process, including due diligence, deal structuring, and closings, ensuring that each stage is handled efficiently and thoroughly. Kiry’s experience extends to drafting and negotiating a wide range of sophisticated transaction documents, including ground leases, easements, options to purchase and lease, multiparty covenants, conditions, and restrictions. 

Kiry is committed to pro bono legal service, assisting nonprofit developers of affordable housing with land acquisitions and project finance, and preparing lease agreements for a variety of nonprofit organizations. Kiry has also been a board member of the Thurston Housing Land Trust since 2024.