Joe DeNucci, State Auditor, News Release - On February 24, 2010, State Auditor Joe DeNucci reported that years of underfunding of operating and capital budgets have resulted in the deterioration of state-subsidized public housing units for people with special needs, depriving them of decent, safe, secure and sanitary housing.
Housing News
The number of foreclosures started by lenders in Massachusetts during the month of January dropped to the lowest level in more than a year, according to a new report by The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman.
Lenders filed 1,874 petitions to foreclose - which mark the first step in the foreclosure process in Massachusetts - in January, a 9 percent decrease from 2,060 in December and 4.4 percent drop from a year earlier. Foreclosure petitions exceeded 2,000 for most months in 2009, falling below that number only in January and November.
Median prices for single-family homes and condominiums in Massachusetts jumped significantly in January compared to a year earlier, according to a report released today by The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman.
BOSTON – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced President Barack Obama’s selection of Richard A. Walega to serve as the Department’s Regional Director for the six states in HUD’s New England Region including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Re: Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP) – Round #3 – March 5, 2010
DHCD awarded $1.35 million on November 25, 2008 to 18 cities to assist urban revitalization efforts through a new state initiative designed to support affordable housing and economic development opportunities for mixed-income communities across Massachusetts. Gateway Plus Action Grants provided assistance to cities for neighborhood or downtown planning activities that expand housing opportunities and that support the revitalization of neighborhoods to enhance economic vitality and the quality of life for all residents, including efforts to:
Washington, DC -- The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has sent a proposed rule to the Federal Register establishing new housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises). The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) gave FHFA authority for establishing housing goals for the Enterprises. Previously the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) set the Enterprises’ housing goals.
Beginning in 2010, utilities in Massachusetts will offer a new, multi- million dollar energy efficiency retrofit grant program for existing low-income multi-family properties (five or more units) owned by public housing authorities and non-profits.
State Updates
House Begins Budget Process after Governor Patrick Releases FY2011 Proposal
The House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means have begun to craft the legislature’s FY2011 budget. In the coming weeks, Ways and Means members will tour the state to hear testimony on the Commonwealth’s budget. On March 5th, members of the public are invited to provide testimony to Ways and Means Committee members at the State House’s Gardner Auditorium.
Database of Expiring Use Properties in Massachusetts 2010
Notes to Accompany 2010 Expiring Use Database
Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) - February 2010