by iwd Tina | Nov 20, 2024 | Housing News
As of November 20, 2024, over 100 Massachusetts cities and towns have passed zoning districts to comply with the MBTA Communities Law. This innovative law aims to address Massachusetts’ housing shortage by allowing modest types of housing, like duplexes, triple-deckers, and low-rise apartment buildings, near transit. These newly approved multifamily zoning districts will bring us closer to the 200,000 homes that Massachusetts needs by 2030 to stabilize housing prices. Many communities took their commitment to housing one step further by using this new zoning to incorporate affordability as well.
“Communities across Massachusetts are overwhelmingly embracing the MBTA Communities Act. They understand that every municipality has a collective responsibility to ensure we are part of fostering a healthy and vibrant Commonwealth,” said Rachel Heller, Chief Executive Officer of the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA). “Massachusetts needs more homes that families, older adults, and the local workforce can afford, and these MBTA Communities are doing their part by allowing the creation of more of these types of homes.”
For decades, strict local zoning policies limited opportunities for people by preventing the construction of anything other than single-family homes on large lots. With land values skyrocketing, these policies create barriers that leave some people out of the housing market entirely. Through coalition building, broad outreach, and inclusive community engagement, these 100 MBTA Communities have taken meaningful action to address those barriers.
“The MBTA Communities Act is succeeding at the local level because municipal leaders know that more housing is crucial to the future success of the Commonwealth,” said Lily Linke, CHAPA’s MBTA Communities Engagement Senior Manager. “The vast majority of cities and towns are doing their part in allowing the homes that our residents need, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because they recognize that when our neighbors thrive, we all thrive.”
CHAPA’s MBTA Communities technical assistance program has supported 45 of these communities by educating residents about the law, consulting with local planners on community engagement, and supporting local pro-housing coalitions as they worked to pass new zoning. 90% of communities that participated in CHAPA’s program have approved an MBTA Communities District, compared to an 83% passage rate overall.
CHAPA congratulates the planners, advocates, elected officials, consultants, and everyone who helped make this milestone possible. We look forward to continuing our work across Massachusetts to encourage communities to embrace and adopt multi-family zoning.
When we say yes to more housing in our communities, we are closer to the Massachusetts we all want and deserve – where everyone has access to a safe, healthy, and affordable home in the community of their choice.
by iwd Tina | Nov 7, 2024 | Housing News
Over 400 advocates, neighbors, municipal employees, organizational representatives, and legislators working on affordable housing in their communities registered to join us virtually on October 23rd for our Annual Regional Meeting which this year was hybrid. As Rachel Heller our CEO mentioned in her opening remarks, each year we convene these sessions to thank all of you for the work we have accomplished together and provide a listening space to inform our vital collective work that “plants the seeds for the policies and programs we advocate for”.
During the meeting, CHAPA’s Municipal Engagement and Policy teams shared information on our legislative and budget priorities, Fair Housing agenda, Municipal Engagement Initiative, and updates on the Multi-family Zoning for MBTA Communities engagement. Participants broke out into regional sub-groups to share their unique challenges and opportunities across the following regions; Greater Boston (virtually and in-person at Metro Housing Boston), MetroWest, Cape & Islands, South Shore (including all of southeastern Mass, including all of the towns and cities in Bristol and Plymouth county and the South Coast), North Shore/Merrimack Valley, Central Mass/Worcester, Franklin/Hampden/Hampshire Counties (virtually and in-person at Way Finders), and Berkshires/Western Mass. Participants also provided feedback to CHAPA staff through an interactive polling activity which additionally will help to shape future priorities and activities.
Please take time to review the Key-Takeaways and where helpful we have made the Video Recording, and the Event Slide Deck available. These conversations have a profound impact on our Legislative Priorities and our advocacy efforts at the state and local level.
We appreciate Bank of America for sponsoring these sessions and to all of our regional co-sponsors for not only sharing their experiences and expertise, but also helping with the outreach to make the event such a success! A special thank you to our co-sponsors Way Finders and Metro Housing|Boston for hosting regional sessions in-person.
Regional Co-Sponsors:
Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority
Berkshire Housing
Cape Cod Community Development Partnership
Harborlight Homes
Housing Assistance Corporation
Housing Nantucket
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Regional Housing Services Office
Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP)
Lawrence Community Works
Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC)
Metro Housing|Boston
Metro West Collaborative Development
NeighborWorks Housing Solutions
NewVue Communities
Northern Middlesex Council of Governments
North Shore Community Development Corporation
Way Finders
Sponsor Logo:
Get Involved with CHAPA
Thank you to those who were able to join us. Please continue to support CHAPA’s efforts to keep making a difference in our communities. Be sure to contact Whitney Demetrius, Director of Fair Housing and Municipal Engagement, at wdemetrius@chapa.org with any questions.
by iwd Tina | Oct 3, 2024 | Housing News
This week, the Commonwealth launched the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund to assist municipalities in meeting the requirements of the MBTA Communities Act.
Eligible municipalities can apply for grants ranging from $250,000 to $1 million to support housing development and infrastructure improvements, focusing on creating multifamily housing within or adjacent to compliant MBTA “3A Districts.” Funds may be used for various activities, including public outreach, engineering, and infrastructure upgrades such as water, sewer, and streetscape improvements. Priority will be given to projects that produce affordable multifamily housing, particularly those with units affordable to households earning below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Mixed-use projects are also eligible, though those with a greater focus on housing will be more competitive. Funded projects must use at least 50% of awarded funds in the first fiscal year, with FY25 projects expected to be completed by June 30, 2026.
This initiative supports the development of affordable housing in key transit areas, promoting inclusive community growth and improving infrastructure to meet future housing needs across Massachusetts.
by iwd Tina | Sep 19, 2024 | Housing News
This week, CHAPA submitted a friend of the court (amicus) brief in support of Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s lawsuit against Milton to enforce the MBTA Communities Act. The brief was filed by Nixon Peabody on behalf of CHAPA and more than 30 organizations and businesses, representing housing developers, local housing coalitions, faith-based coalitions, disability advocates, service providers, business organizations, community development corporations, realtors, and lenders.
The AG’s lawsuit sends a clear message: the Commonwealth’s housing laws must be followed and municipalities play a critical role in allowing the homes that people, our communities, our economy, and the Commonwealth need to thrive.
At a time when people across income levels are feeling the pain of escalating home prices and rents, the status quo keeps Milton’s gates closed. For too long, zoning has been used to say no and to limit opportunities for people. This hurts people, our environment, our businesses, and the competitiveness of the Commonwealth.
The Legislature passed this law to establish the by-right zoning needed to produce multifamily housing. The MBTA Communities Act is one of many housing policies meant to remove barriers to production and facilitate housing development. From Chapter 40B through the Affordable Homes Act’s establishing accessory dwelling units by right in all single-family neighborhoods, the MBTA Communities Act is another tool created by the Legislature to ensure that Massachusetts is a place where everyone can have a home they can afford in the community they choose.
Municipalities have a collective responsibility to ensure we are part of fostering a healthy and vibrant Commonwealth. This includes allowing the multifamily housing we need for vibrant communities where kids can grow up near their grandparents, businesses thrive, renters can become homeowners, and people can stay in the neighborhoods they love.
by iwd Tina | Aug 1, 2024 | Housing News
CHAPA applauds the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Senate for the passage of the Affordable Homes Act. This historic legislation will provide $5.1 billion in capital funding authorization and a wide range of housing policies to support the creation and preservation of tens of thousands of homes. CHAPA is proud to have worked closely with the Legislature to advocate for policies that put Massachusetts on the path to adding the 200,000 homes across income levels that people, our communities, and our economy need to thrive.
The Affordable Homes Act includes significant increases in funding authorizations to meet the range of the Commonwealth’s housing challenges. The bill includes $2.2 billion in bond authorization for state public housing, a doubling of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund ($800 million) and the Housing Innovations Fund ($200 million), and a nearly tripling of the Housing Stabilization Fund ($425 million) which included $10 million for the Small Properties Acquisition Fund. The legislation also included investments in programs that had not before been included in a bond bill, including $100 million for the CommonWealth Builder Program, $50 million for the Momentum Fund to accelerate the completion of mixed-income multifamily housing, $275 million for Green Housing, and $175 million for Housing Choice Infrastructure.
Beyond the funding authorizations, the bill creates and expands tax credit programs that will help spur much-needed production. The Affordable Homes Act creates a new $10 million annual Homeownership Production Tax Credit, a vitally important tool to help create opportunities for first-time home buyers to become owners, and increases the Community Investment Tax Credit to $15 million. Additionally, the legislation doubles the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit to $110 million annually through the year 2030 to help preserve historic buildings and put them to new use, including creating affordable housing.
Finally, the Affordable Homes Act recognizes that funding authorizations and tax credits alone are not enough to address the housing challenges facing Massachusetts. The bill includes policies such as the creation of an Office of Fair Housing and Fair Housing Trust Fund, mandating the establishment of a statewide housing plan, allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by right in single-family zoned districts, establishing special commissions on Extremely Low Income Housing, Senior Housing, and Accessible Housing for persons living with disabilities, creating a supportive housing pool fund to address the needs of households experiencing homelessness, establishing eviction records sealing, and authorizing a social housing pilot. These policies will help move us closer to a Commonwealth where people can have safe, healthy, affordable homes in the communities they choose.
The final bill is also notable for what it did not include. Attempts to weaken, undermine, or delay existing housing laws or to place unnecessary barriers to housing productions were resoundingly rejected at all turns. The legislation that passed does not include harmful changes to Chapter 40B, the MBTA Communities Law, or to the Community Preservation Act (CPA). CHAPA is grateful that not only does this bill move us forward in our housing policy, it also does not set us back by weakening the progress we had already made.
CHAPA applauds the commitment shown by the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Governor to take the steps necessary to meet the moment. While the Affordable Homes Act is a remarkable and historic piece of legislation, it will not be a panacea for all of the housing challenges facing Massachusetts. CHAPA looks forward to working closely with the Legislature, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and all stakeholders to implement this bill and to continue to find paths toward creating the homes we need.
CHAPA extends its profound gratitude to Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, Secretary Augustus, Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Rodrigues, Chair Arciero, Chair Edwards, Senate President Pro Tempore Brownsberger, and all of the policy makers and their staff who made this bill a reality. In Massachusetts, we are fortunate to have leaders who recognize the scope of the housing challenges we face and the commitment to do what is necessary to move us forward. CHAPA looks forward to continuing to be a productive partner in this work over the months and years to come.
by iwd Tina | Jul 29, 2024 | Housing News
This morning, the Housing Bond Bill Conference Committee released the final version of the Affordable Homes Act, which includes $5.1 billion in bond authorization to support housing production. The House of Representatives and Senate are expected to vote on the legislation later today.
Below is a grid detailing the funding authorizations by program:
| Line Item |
Program |
2018 Bond Bill |
Gov Proposal |
House Final |
Senate Final |
Conference Committee |
| 1599-1953 |
Local Designated Projects |
|
|
$196,986,900 |
$228,770,000 |
$425,756,900 |
| 1599-3032 |
MWRA Infrastructure |
|
|
$1,000,000,000 |
|
|
| 3000-0411 |
Early Education & Out of School Time |
$45,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
| 7004-0069 |
Home Modification Loan Program |
$60,000,000 |
$60,000,000 |
$60,000,000 |
$60,000,000 |
$60,000,000 |
| 7004-0070 |
Facilities Consolidation Fund |
$65,000,000 |
$70,000,000 |
$70,000,000 |
$70,000,000 |
$70,000,000 |
| 7004-0071 |
Community Based Housing |
$55,000,000 |
$55,000,000 |
$55,000,000 |
$55,000,000 |
$55,000,000 |
| 7004-0072 |
Affordable Housing Trust Fund |
$400,000,000 |
$800,000,000 |
$800,000,000 |
$800,000,000 |
$800,000,000 |
| 7004-0073 |
Housing Stabilization Fund |
$150,000,000 |
$425,000,000 |
$425,000,000 |
$425,000,000 |
$425,000,000 |
| 7004-0074 |
Public Housing |
$600,000,000 |
$1,500,000,000 |
$2,000,000,000 |
$2,000,000,000 |
$2,000,000,000 |
| 7004-0075 |
Public Housing Demonstration |
$50,000,000 |
$100,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
| 7004-0076 |
Housing Innovations Fund |
$100,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
| 7004-0077 |
Housing Choice Local Community Planning Grants |
|
$35,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$60,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
| 7004-0078 |
Green Housing Initiative |
|
$275,000,000 |
$275,000,000 |
$275,000,000 |
$275,000,000 |
| 7004-0079 |
Smart Growth |
|
$20,000,000 |
$20,000,000 |
$20,000,000 |
$20,000,000 |
| 7004-0080 |
Middle Income Housing |
$100,000,000 |
$100,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$100,000,000 |
$100,000,000 |
| 7004-0081 |
Commonwealth Builder |
|
$100,000,000 |
$100,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$100,000,000 |
| 7004-0082 |
HousingWorks Community Planning Grants |
|
$25,000,000 |
$25,000,000 |
$25,000,000 |
$25,000,000 |
| 7004-0083 |
Housing Choice Infrastructure |
|
$175,000,000 |
$175,000,000 |
$375,000,000 |
$175,000,000 |
| 7004-0085 |
Neighborhood Stabilization |
|
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
| 7004-0092 |
Commercial Property Conversion |
|
|
$150,000,000 |
|
|
| 7004-0093 |
Healthy Homes |
|
|
$50,000,000 |
|
|
| 7004-0094 |
Veterans Housing |
|
|
$20,000,000 |
|
|
| 7004-0095 |
Transitioning State-Owned Buildings |
|
|
$50,000,000 |
|
|
| 7004-0096 |
Rural / Small Town Housing |
|
|
|
$50,000,000 |
|
| 7004-0097 |
Seasonal Communities |
|
|
|
$50,000,000 |
|
| 7004-0098 |
Mid-Sized and Suburban Housing |
|
|
|
$50,000,000 |
|
| 7004-4784 |
Momentum Fund |
|
$50,000,000 |
$250,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
