On April 30, the Legislature allowed legislation to pass filed by Governor Healey to create an Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and an Executive Office of Economic Development (H.43). This follows a hearing on the bill on March 27 where legislators and those testifying, including CHAPA, expressed their support for the plan.
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities will officially be created when the law goes into effect on June 1.
Governor Healey promised during her campaign to elevate housing to a cabinet level office. Article 87 of the Massachusetts Constitution requires the Governor to file a bill with her reorganization plan.
The Governor’s bill elevates the existing Department of Housing and Community Development to an Executive Office. According to the Governor’s filing letter, the legislation also creates a new legislative authorization for the MassWorks program in a new “Housing Works” program to fund municipal infrastructure for housing.
The Senate advanced the bill on April 12. The House took no action on the legislation. Unlike a typical bill, the measure is not subject to amendment and if the Legislature takes no action, the bill passes.
Governor Healey is expected to name the new Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities shortly.