Housing News

On May 22, the U.S. Senate confirmed Brian Montgomery to lead the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This will be Montgomery’s second time serving as FHA commissioner. He previously held the job under President George W. Bush and stayed on for six months after President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

On May 23, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) indefinitely suspended implementation of the 2015 Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH) rule and withdrew the Assessment of Fair Housing tool that local governments use to collect fair housing data. This latest rule change builds on a January notice that delayed the submission deadline for an estimated 856 localities, and drew a lawsuit from fair housing advocates.

Yesterday, the conference committee released its compromise Housing Bond Bill (H.4536), which was quickly taken up and passed by the House and Senate! As the largest housing bond bill ever passed in Massachusetts, this is a historic achievement that will help so many find safe, healthy, and affordable homes! The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature.

The House Appropriations Committee moved forward its federal FY2019 spending bill for affordable housing and community development programs on May 23. The bill now heads to the House floor. The proposed bill maintains the 10% increase in HUD funding in FY2018, with modest additional increases for FY2019.

On May 21, Governor Baker released his FY2019 Capital Budget. The budget includes investments in affordable housing, community development, and early education programs. The total $2.34 billion capital budget represents a 3.5% increase to the bond cap over FY2018. For a table with an overview of the FY2019 capital budget for affordable housing, community development, and early education programs, click here. The capital plan includes:

On May 15, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) that oversees funding levels for affordable housing and community development programs released a 

On May 10th, the Massachusetts Senate released its  FY2019 budget proposal with strong investments in affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and community development programs. However, we are working to further strengthen these programs that will help everyone in the Commonwealth have a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home!  

On May 10, the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Ways and Means (SWM) released its FY2019 state budget proposal. The $41.2 billion budget includes many increased investments for affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and community development programs. For an overview of CHAPA's budget priorities in the SWM budget, please click here.  

On May 15, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded nearly $8 million in funding to support the creation or preservation of almost 100 units of supportive affordable housing at seven developments. The awards include $5.5 million in state funding, 28 project-based state rental vouchers, and $2.5 million from the National Housing Trust Fund. These developments will provide affordable housing with supportive services for vulnerable populations across the state, including homeless families and individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities and adults with autism.

On May 14, the Baker-Polito Administration designated 67 municipalities as Housing Choice Communities. MassHousing also awarded 15 communities with a total of $2 million in Planning for Housing Production technical assistance grants. These announcements will support communities in their efforts to increase housing production across the Commonwealth.  Communities who received the Housing Choice Designation have produced a total of nearly 60,000 new housing units over the last five years. These 67 communities each have a track records of pursuing substantial housing production.