by iwd Tina | Jan 6, 2025 | Housing News
On December 26th, HUD announced an overhaul of its state, territory, and D.C. webpages, cutting the number from 2,500 to about 100 to make information easier to find and use. The updated pages include features like content warnings, safe exit options, and a floating “Need More Help” button for quick support. Feedback from community sessions, including input from shelter residents, shaped these changes to ensure key information such as tenant rights, housing counseling, and local HUD office contacts is easier to access.
The new pages are mobile-friendly and designed with trauma-informed principles to create a safer, more user-friendly experience. Led by HUD’s Public Affairs and Field Policy and Management teams, the redesign simplifies navigation and highlights essential resources. We have included a link to the updated Massachusetts page so users can explore the improved features firsthand.
by iwd Tina | Jan 2, 2025 | Housing News
On December 30, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) held a virtual public hearing on the draft 2025-26 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. During the approximately one hour hearing, EOHLC staff heard feedback from a range of stakeholders and interested parties on the draft QAP, which is expected to be finalized before the end of January.
CHAPA gave verbal testimony submitted written comments on the Plan. In particular, CHAPA commended EOHLC for raising the minimum ELI threshold from 13% to 16%, its continued commitment to equity in development opportunities, the incentivization of accessibility standards, prioritization of sustainable, green, and climate resilient designs, the inclusion of rural development points, and the recognition of challenges facing middle income households.
CHAPA’s testimony also included concerns about the Responsible Contractor Guidelines that were included in the QAP and the impact that they will have on development costs, the number of new homes created, and on small, emerging, and minority-owned businesses. CHAPA is looking forward to the final QAP and to working with EOHLC to implement it in the most productive way possible.
by iwd Tina | Dec 14, 2024 | Housing News
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) will hold a virtual public hearing on the draft version of the 25-26 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The hearing is scheduled for 10:30 AM on December 30th, 2024.
The draft QAP is available for review. We encourage everyone to read the draft and share feedback, either by attending the hearing or submitting written comments beforehand. Written comments can be sent to:
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program
100 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Comments can also be emailed to catherine.racer@mass.gov.
For details on how to join the virtual hearing, you can contact EOHLC at 617-573-1309 or bertha.borin@mass.gov.
CHAPA is reviewing the draft QAP and will be submitting comments to help shape its final version. To help stakeholders engage in the process, CHAPA has prepared a slide deck with a high-level overview of some of the key updates, and a detailed summary that highlights each of the changes found in the most recent version.
by iwd Tina | Dec 12, 2024 | Housing News
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) has released the draft 2025-2026 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP). The QAP determines how federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and other affordable housing finance programs are distributed. It outlines eligibility requirements, scoring systems, and funding priorities, ensuring resources are allocated to support critical housing needs across Massachusetts. This draft incorporates significant updates, including new climate resiliency standards, an increased percentage of Extremely Low Income (ELI) units, specific points for rural development, and an increased focus on accessibility.
Public Hearing
HLC will hold a public hearing on the draft QAP at a date and time to be determined. We will provide details and access instructions as soon as they are available.
Key Updates in the Draft QAP
This year’s updates reflect evolving state priorities and federal guidance. Highlights include:
- Climate Goals Integration: Mandatory decarbonization and climate-resilient standards.
- Increased Funding Limits: Higher per-unit credit limits and expanded long-term funding authority.
- Extremely Low-Income (ELI) Allocation Increase: Increased minimum percentage from 13% to 16%, addressing critical affordability needs.
- Responsible Contractor Guidelines: New standards, effective January 1, 2025, to promote fair labor practices and ensure compliance with wage and safety standards.
- Green Standards Enforcement: Mandatory Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) certification for all projects.
- Accessibility Enhancements: Expanded criteria and scoring incentives for universal design and specialized features.
- Rural Development Prioritization: New scoring category to support housing in rural areas.
Next Steps
We encourage all stakeholders to review the draft QAP and share feedback during the comment period. CHAPA has developed a slide deck that includes a high-level overview of the changes touched on above. A comprehensive summary is also in development and will be shared within the coming days. In addition, CHAPA will be submitting organizational comments to contribute to the review process and address key priorities identified in the draft.
by iwd Tina | Dec 9, 2024 | Housing News
On Friday, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities released draft regulations designed to “provide clarity on the administration of the new ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) law.” The release of this draft is the first step in the regulatory development process and EOHLC intends to issue final regulations prior to the effective date of the ADU law on February 2, 2025.
Here is the timeline for the regulatory review process:
Additional information on this process as well as background on ADUs is available on the EOHLC website.
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