Housing News

Projects will create growth and opportunity in three communities in Massachusetts AMHERST—Thursday, October 23, 2014—Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein today announced over $10 million in affordable housing resources and tax credits for projects in three communities across the state, building on the Patrick Administration’s commitment to improving housing infrastructure to support growth and opportunity throughout the Commonwealth.

DHCD issued a Notice of Funding Availability on October 20, announcing a new funding round for supportive housing development.  It is making up to $6 million available.   Applications are due by November 21. Click here to download the NOFA.

AMHERST—Tuesday, October 21, 2014 — Governor Deval Patrick today announced a new round of MassWorks Infrastructure Program grants to advance local development projects across the state. The grants total over $66 million in improvement projects that will support thousands of jobs in Massachusetts communities. Through these awards, the state will partner with cities and towns to support housing developments, infrastructure developments, road safety and revitalization projects.

$5.1 million in new funding for residential renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements as winter season approaches Consumer resources: www.mass.gov/EEA/WinterEnergyResources

The state has recently made available funding for a limited amount of new Massachusetts Rental Program (MRVP) mobile vouchers.   MRVP mobile vouchers provide rental assistance to low-income families and individuals who lease privately-owned apartments.  A household pays at least 30 percent, but not more than 40 percent, of its income as rent plus any tenant-paid utilities. Housing agencies must first establish a waiting list from which applicants, who apply and are randomly assigned to the waiting list, will be selected to be screened for eligibility. 

The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has scheduled a public hearing to solicit comments on the 2015 Draft Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The hearing will be held at 2:00 p.m. on October 16, 2014, in second floor conference room 2C, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

For safe roads and bridges, for reliable transit and for a healthy economy that works for everyone, please vote NO on Question 1. At CHAPA, we believe that housing that is affordable to families and individuals must also be accessible to transportation.  We can’t maintain or grow our transportation network without reliable revenue.  Gas tax indexing is responsible and supports CHAPA’s mission.  For safe roads and bridges, and for transportation that serves every family, please Vote NO on Question 1. 

As part of the Transformative Development Fund, which the Commonwealth created through the economic development legislation that Governor Patrick signed into law on August 13, MassDevelopment is soliciting nominations from Gateway City officials and their partners for districts in those cities that can catalyze sustained economic development. Through community engagement, investments, and technical assistance, the Fund will boost coordinated redevelopment in these districts, creating a critical mass of activities and encouraging private development.

As part of the proposed AFFH rule published by HUD last July (and not yet finalized), HUD noted that it would issue an “assessment tool” for jurisdictions to use to evaluate fair housing needs, barriers and goals.  HUD published a notice for public comment on a draft tool on September 26.  The draft is designed to be used by entitlement communities but not states, but HUD describes it as “illustrative o

AG AWARDS CITIZENS’ HOUSING AND PLANNING ASSOCIATION WITH OVERSEEING GRANT PROGRAM TO ASSIST STRUGGLING HOMEOWNERS HomeCorps-Funded Program Will Help Families and Individuals Facing Foreclosure Statewide