New England Housing Network Conference Resource Materials – December 8, 2008
New England Housing Network Conference Resource Material Page
Treasury Department Approves DHCD’s Application for Tax Credit Exchange Program – July 10, 2009
WASHINGTON – As part of the Obama Administration’s effort to create jobs and ease pressures on the housing market, the U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced $486 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funding to spur the development of affordable housing units in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, the Virgin Islands, and Vermont.
Please click here to view the full press release.
Governor Awards $1.3 Million in Gateway Plus Action Grants – December 1, 2008
DHCD, November 25, 2008: Governor Deval Patrick today awarded $1.35 million to 18 cities to spark urban revitalization efforts through a new state program designed to support affordable housing and economic development opportunities for mixed-income communities across Massachusetts. Funding from the new Gateway Plus Action Grant (GPAG) program will help recipient cities identify their specific housing or mixed-use development needs to enhance their economic vitality and the quality of life for all residents.
Please click here to view the full press release.
Regulation Changes to the MA Emergency Assistance Program – April 3, 2009
On January 28, 2009, the Patrick/Murray Administration filed proposed changes to the Emergency Assistance (EA) regulations in response to a significant deficiency in the appropriation for the program. These changes are part of a comprehensive response to provide housing and stabilization services to homeless families, and to transform the shelter system with a greater emphasis on shared accountability and self-sufficiency.
Changes proposed by the Administration were revised after two public hearings held earlier this month. The proposed changes are summarized here.
Program Manager Position Opened at CHAPA – January 5, 2009
CHAPA is seeking an energetic individual to join its staff as a Program Manager to coordinate two programs: The Massachusetts Homeownership Collaborative and CHAPA’s monitoring efforts on Chapter 40B. The Massachusetts Homeownership Collaborative is an initiative that supports and promotes homebuyer education and promotes an ongoing dialogue among lenders, non-profits, and others in the housing field. Chapter 40B is the state statute that encourages the production of affordable housing in all of the Commonwealth’s communities. CHAPA serves as a monitoring agent for some of the housing projects developed under Chapter 40B.
The full job description can be viewed on CHAPA’s Jobs Board.
Housing Experts Say Bottom is Near in Massachusetts (BBJ) – September 15, 2008
Area economists say the bottom may be near for the slump of housing prices in Massachusetts. That’s the good news.
The bad news: Don’t expect a rapid rebound. Expect prices to move sideways for a while before rising. Those who recently bought homes likely will remain “under water” — owning a home valued at less than they paid — for several years.
Economists interviewed by the Boston Business Journal see a bottoming of prices over the next nine months. The combination of lower prices and month-to-month improvements in sales volume are offering hope that the market is nearing its nadir after a steady decline highlighted by an 11 percent slide in prices since 2005.
Please click here for the full news story.