Housing News

9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Plenary Sessions: Perspectives from the Regional U.S. Administrators MAPS:

Pursuant to Section 9C of Chapter 29 of the Massachusetts General Laws, Governor Patrick, yesterday, made cuts to the FY2013 state budget to compensate for a $540 million shortfall due to slower-than-expected tax collections. The Governor's letter explaining the cuts and their impacts can be read here.

December 4, 2012 - The New York Times has published an editorial outlining the need for more affordable housing across the United States and advocating for increases in Federal programs which provide housing for low- and extremely-low-income households. The editorial states that HUD would need $26 billion in funding to repair its public housing stock and that with decreasing federal support, housing authorities across the country have closed more than 150,000 public housing units.

From the December 4th Press Release: The EOHED will present the context for the FY14 state budget and gather valuable comments from stakeholders and members of the public regarding their priorities for funding.  The forums will begin with a short overview presentation, followed by an opportunity for audience members to provide testimony.

State Updates DHCD Announces Compact Neighborhoods Policy to Encourage Smart Growth Zoning

Please click here to access the conference materials.

The National Housing Preservation Database was created by the Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation (PAHRC) and the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) in an effort to provide communities with the information they need to effectively preserve their stock of public and affordable housing. The National Housing Preservation Database incorporates all available data on federally subsidized housing properties and includes nine separate funding streams.

The new Boston Indicators Project website contains new features such as interactive visualizations and new blog, Shaping the Future.

Funding Overview: Pursuant to Chapter 206 of the Acts of 2007, An Act Protecting and Preserving Homeownership, the Massachusetts Legislature has approved the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $2 million for grants in support of first-time homeownership counseling programs and for Regional Foreclosure Education Centers. Eligibility Requirements:

Please click here to download the Fall 2012 Sustainable Communities Magazine.