PAHMA is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1986 by representatives of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Pittsburgh Area Office and several management agents. The purpose of the organization is to provide a medium for the exchange of information and ideas between HUD and the industry, to enable management agents to solve common problems and to facilitate communications between management agents and the affordable housing regulatory agencies, including HUD and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

PAHMA is administered and operated by an entirely volunteer board of directors. Membership consists of about 100 management or ownership entities that pay annual nominal dues. Board members are elected by the members. Membership is open to owners and management agents of affordable housing and others who support the purpose of the organization.

As a volunteer, non-profit association, PAHMA is able to offer conferences and seminars at a substantial discount. These conferences also provide an opportunity for networking between the industry, HUD and PHFA staff.