Public Housing Committee

Here is information about our Public Housing Committee Meeting on 2/26 from 1:00-2:30. If you would like to attend virtually you can register using the Register Now button or using the registration link here.

If you wish to attend in person, we will be meeting at First Citizens Bank at 53 State Street, Boston MA in the Castle Island Room. A virtual option is also available. You can register using the Zoom link above.

If you’re planning on attending in person, please either complete this form by Wednesday 2/25 or reply to this email to ensure building security has your information.

Below is an overview of the agenda for the meeting:

• • Committee charge and quick poll on future agenda items

• • Extremely Low Income Housing Special Commission Report roadmap and next steps particularly for the public housing recommendations – Matt Walsh, EOHLC
    • Group discussion: what we monitor and follow-ups – Sarah Byrnes, Mass Union of Public Housing Tenants

• • H.2. Section 53 (Gov’s budget, Streamlined Disposition of Public Housing)  key implications – MassNAHRO

• • Apprenticeship bill H.5032 – MassNAHRO
    • Note: These updates could change what PHAs need to include in construction contracts and paperwork for big repair and modernization projects, which may affect costs, who can bid, and project timelines

• • Federal update (HUD 30-day directive on immigration data review, what PHAs are being asked to do, agency response/operational implications, and resident impacts) – Jack Redman, Greenfield Housing Authority, Jake Love, CHAPA.
    • Mixed-status rule (proposed, Feb 20 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking)
      • Would require PHAs to verify eligibility for every household member (any age, including kids). View the proposed text here, along with a helpful summary from NLIHC
      • If the household can’t prove everyone is eligible, they could lose assistance. Exception: a small number of older (“grandfathered”) households may qualify for “preservation assistance,” which can let them keep reduced (prorated) help or get extra time (a deferral)
      • Public comment is open for 60 days (comments due April 21, 2026).
      • Impacts on PHAs: day-to-day verification steps, notices/hearing timelines, and file/documentation requirements.
      • What it could mean for residents: higher risk of losing assistance if documentation/verification can’t be completed on time. Discuss where residents and advocates can get more information.

• • State budget overview and status, budget tracker – CHAPA