by iwd Tina | Nov 22, 2024 | Housing News
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has implemented 41% of the policies outlined in the $5.16 billion Affordable Homes Act, which aims to build, preserve, and rehabilitate over 65,000 homes in Massachusetts over five years. The Act includes measures such as creating an Office of Fair Housing, allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under 900 square feet by right, and establishing a Seasonal Communities designation to address housing challenges in areas with fluctuating seasonal employment. Additionally, it allocates $2.2 billion for improvements to the state’s 43,000 units of public housing.
Progress includes hiring an ADU Coordinator, launching an informational webpage, and conducting a widely attended webinar for municipal officials. Upcoming steps involve public comment on draft ADU regulations. For Seasonal Communities, an advisory council is being assembled, and a coordinator will soon be hired to develop tailored tools for these areas. The Office of Fair Housing is in development, with a director position open to oversee planning, enforce fair housing laws, and manage the new Fair Housing Fund.
Public housing reforms under the Act include reducing audit frequency for local housing authorities, codifying tenant protections, and allowing authorities to borrow against state capital funds for larger projects. These efforts streamline operations and enhance housing quality. With multiple initiatives underway, the Affordable Homes Act is making measurable progress toward improving housing availability and affordability statewide.
by iwd Tina | Aug 1, 2024 | Housing News
CHAPA applauds the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Senate for the passage of the Affordable Homes Act. This historic legislation will provide $5.1 billion in capital funding authorization and a wide range of housing policies to support the creation and preservation of tens of thousands of homes. CHAPA is proud to have worked closely with the Legislature to advocate for policies that put Massachusetts on the path to adding the 200,000 homes across income levels that people, our communities, and our economy need to thrive.
The Affordable Homes Act includes significant increases in funding authorizations to meet the range of the Commonwealth’s housing challenges. The bill includes $2.2 billion in bond authorization for state public housing, a doubling of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund ($800 million) and the Housing Innovations Fund ($200 million), and a nearly tripling of the Housing Stabilization Fund ($425 million) which included $10 million for the Small Properties Acquisition Fund. The legislation also included investments in programs that had not before been included in a bond bill, including $100 million for the CommonWealth Builder Program, $50 million for the Momentum Fund to accelerate the completion of mixed-income multifamily housing, $275 million for Green Housing, and $175 million for Housing Choice Infrastructure.
Beyond the funding authorizations, the bill creates and expands tax credit programs that will help spur much-needed production. The Affordable Homes Act creates a new $10 million annual Homeownership Production Tax Credit, a vitally important tool to help create opportunities for first-time home buyers to become owners, and increases the Community Investment Tax Credit to $15 million. Additionally, the legislation doubles the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit to $110 million annually through the year 2030 to help preserve historic buildings and put them to new use, including creating affordable housing.
Finally, the Affordable Homes Act recognizes that funding authorizations and tax credits alone are not enough to address the housing challenges facing Massachusetts. The bill includes policies such as the creation of an Office of Fair Housing and Fair Housing Trust Fund, mandating the establishment of a statewide housing plan, allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by right in single-family zoned districts, establishing special commissions on Extremely Low Income Housing, Senior Housing, and Accessible Housing for persons living with disabilities, creating a supportive housing pool fund to address the needs of households experiencing homelessness, establishing eviction records sealing, and authorizing a social housing pilot. These policies will help move us closer to a Commonwealth where people can have safe, healthy, affordable homes in the communities they choose.
The final bill is also notable for what it did not include. Attempts to weaken, undermine, or delay existing housing laws or to place unnecessary barriers to housing productions were resoundingly rejected at all turns. The legislation that passed does not include harmful changes to Chapter 40B, the MBTA Communities Law, or to the Community Preservation Act (CPA). CHAPA is grateful that not only does this bill move us forward in our housing policy, it also does not set us back by weakening the progress we had already made.
CHAPA applauds the commitment shown by the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Governor to take the steps necessary to meet the moment. While the Affordable Homes Act is a remarkable and historic piece of legislation, it will not be a panacea for all of the housing challenges facing Massachusetts. CHAPA looks forward to working closely with the Legislature, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and all stakeholders to implement this bill and to continue to find paths toward creating the homes we need.
CHAPA extends its profound gratitude to Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, Secretary Augustus, Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Rodrigues, Chair Arciero, Chair Edwards, Senate President Pro Tempore Brownsberger, and all of the policy makers and their staff who made this bill a reality. In Massachusetts, we are fortunate to have leaders who recognize the scope of the housing challenges we face and the commitment to do what is necessary to move us forward. CHAPA looks forward to continuing to be a productive partner in this work over the months and years to come.
by iwd Tina | Jul 29, 2024 | Housing News
This morning, the Housing Bond Bill Conference Committee released the final version of the Affordable Homes Act, which includes $5.1 billion in bond authorization to support housing production. The House of Representatives and Senate are expected to vote on the legislation later today.
Below is a grid detailing the funding authorizations by program:
| Line Item |
Program |
2018 Bond Bill |
Gov Proposal |
House Final |
Senate Final |
Conference Committee |
| 1599-1953 |
Local Designated Projects |
|
|
$196,986,900 |
$228,770,000 |
$425,756,900 |
| 1599-3032 |
MWRA Infrastructure |
|
|
$1,000,000,000 |
|
|
| 3000-0411 |
Early Education & Out of School Time |
$45,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
| 7004-0069 |
Home Modification Loan Program |
$60,000,000 |
$60,000,000 |
$60,000,000 |
$60,000,000 |
$60,000,000 |
| 7004-0070 |
Facilities Consolidation Fund |
$65,000,000 |
$70,000,000 |
$70,000,000 |
$70,000,000 |
$70,000,000 |
| 7004-0071 |
Community Based Housing |
$55,000,000 |
$55,000,000 |
$55,000,000 |
$55,000,000 |
$55,000,000 |
| 7004-0072 |
Affordable Housing Trust Fund |
$400,000,000 |
$800,000,000 |
$800,000,000 |
$800,000,000 |
$800,000,000 |
| 7004-0073 |
Housing Stabilization Fund |
$150,000,000 |
$425,000,000 |
$425,000,000 |
$425,000,000 |
$425,000,000 |
| 7004-0074 |
Public Housing |
$600,000,000 |
$1,500,000,000 |
$2,000,000,000 |
$2,000,000,000 |
$2,000,000,000 |
| 7004-0075 |
Public Housing Demonstration |
$50,000,000 |
$100,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
| 7004-0076 |
Housing Innovations Fund |
$100,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
| 7004-0077 |
Housing Choice Local Community Planning Grants |
|
$35,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$60,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
| 7004-0078 |
Green Housing Initiative |
|
$275,000,000 |
$275,000,000 |
$275,000,000 |
$275,000,000 |
| 7004-0079 |
Smart Growth |
|
$20,000,000 |
$20,000,000 |
$20,000,000 |
$20,000,000 |
| 7004-0080 |
Middle Income Housing |
$100,000,000 |
$100,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$100,000,000 |
$100,000,000 |
| 7004-0081 |
Commonwealth Builder |
|
$100,000,000 |
$100,000,000 |
$200,000,000 |
$100,000,000 |
| 7004-0082 |
HousingWorks Community Planning Grants |
|
$25,000,000 |
$25,000,000 |
$25,000,000 |
$25,000,000 |
| 7004-0083 |
Housing Choice Infrastructure |
|
$175,000,000 |
$175,000,000 |
$375,000,000 |
$175,000,000 |
| 7004-0085 |
Neighborhood Stabilization |
|
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
| 7004-0092 |
Commercial Property Conversion |
|
|
$150,000,000 |
|
|
| 7004-0093 |
Healthy Homes |
|
|
$50,000,000 |
|
|
| 7004-0094 |
Veterans Housing |
|
|
$20,000,000 |
|
|
| 7004-0095 |
Transitioning State-Owned Buildings |
|
|
$50,000,000 |
|
|
| 7004-0096 |
Rural / Small Town Housing |
|
|
|
$50,000,000 |
|
| 7004-0097 |
Seasonal Communities |
|
|
|
$50,000,000 |
|
| 7004-0098 |
Mid-Sized and Suburban Housing |
|
|
|
$50,000,000 |
|
| 7004-4784 |
Momentum Fund |
|
$50,000,000 |
$250,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
$50,000,000 |
by iwd Tina | Jun 28, 2024 | Housing News
On Thursday, June 27, the Massachusetts State Senate voted to approve a Bond Bill that makes a historic investment in affordable housing. Like the House of Representatives and Governor Healey, the Senate’s action demonstrated a commitment to providing the funding and policies needed to be intentional about housing affordability, equity, and choice.
The bills passed by the House and the Senate are remarkable not only for the funding authorizations for the creation of affordable housing but for the policies that will help create the conditions in which challenges in home creation can be addressed.
Both the House and Senate bills include significant increases in funding authorizations for public housing, infrastructure improvements, smart growth, energy efficiency, community planning, and for specific populations and regions that have been historically left behind in the current housing market.
Additionally, both branches included policies such as the creation of an Office of Fair Housing, allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by right in single-family zoned districts, commissions on housing for low-income households and persons living with disabilities, a supportive housing pool fund to address the needs of households experiencing homelessness, and the creation of the Momentum Fund to accelerate the completion of mixed-income multifamily housing development. These policies will help move us closer to a Commonwealth where people can have safe, healthy, affordable homes in the communities they choose.
Both the House and the Senate also resoundingly rejected attempts to weaken, undermine, or delay existing housing laws or to place unnecessary barriers to housing productions. Neither branch included harmful changes to Chapter 40B, the MBTA Communities Law, or the Community Preservation Act (CPA).
Between now and the end of July, a Conference Committee of legislators from the House of Representatives and the Senate will work to reconcile differences between the bills passed by each branch. CHAPA will advocate strongly for the highest possible funding authorizations for each of the housing programs included in the Bond Bill as well as the inclusion of initiatives that were part of only one branch’s legislation, including:
- Eviction records sealing;
- Inclusionary zoning by simple majority;
- A commission on senior housing;
- Expansion of the Historic Rehab Tax Credit; and
- The Small Properties Acquisition Fund.
Housing is the single best investment we can make for the future of Massachusetts. The funding and policies in the Housing Bond Bill put intention into the growth of our housing supply so that affordable housing grows as new homes are created. The new MBTA Communities Multifamily Zoning Law and the Housing Choice Act make it possible for communities to allow the 200,000 homes Massachusetts needs to stabilize home prices and rents. The legislation proposed by Governor Healey and now passed by both the House and the Senate puts funding and policies in place to move us forward in creating 40,000 homes that are affordable for households with moderate incomes and 20,000 homes that are affordable for people with low and extremely low incomes. Creating homes for people across income levels will ensure that people, our communities, our economy, and our Commonwealth thrive.
The housing challenges facing Massachusetts are significant, and CHAPA applauds the commitment shown by both the Legislature and the Governor to take the steps necessary to meet the moment. Together, we are poised to enact the strongest possible legislation that will serve to provide us with tools to create the homes we desperately need.
by iwd Tina | Jun 27, 2024 | Housing News
This morning, the Senate will begin debate on the Housing Bond Bill. In addition to the amendments that CHAPA is strongly supporting, there are several that are problematic. The Housing Bond Bill is a historic opportunity to help create the 200,000 homes we need and to address the Commonwealth’s housing challenges. CHAPA calls on the Senate to oppose amendments that would weaken existing housing laws or place unnecessary barriers to housing production.
Please call your state senator and ask them to reject the following amendments:
#17, 225 – Makes 40B, the Affordable Housing Law, Less Effective
For decades, Chapter 40B, the Affordable Housing Law, has been our most important tool to produce homes that are affordable for low income households. These amendments would designate additional types of housing as “affordable” and exempt communities from an obligation to create homes that are affordable. If passed, they would only serve to make 40B a less effective tool in producing the housing we need.
#25 – Adds Unnecessary Appeal Criteria to MBTA Communities Law
This amendment directs EOHLC to promulgate regulations to establish an appeal process from the requirements of Chapter 3A based on factors that are outside the scope of the law. The MBTA Communities Law does not require cities and towns to provide water or sewer infrastructure. If passed, this amendment would only delay and complicate the implementation of the MBTA Communities Law without providing a benefit to impacted municipalities.
#26 – Delays Implementation of the MBTA Communities Law
This amendment changes the deadlines for municipal compliance with Chapter 3A. Massachusetts has faced significant housing challenges for years and cannot afford to wait any longer to address them. Given the acuity of our housing challenges, the number of communities that have already adopted their zoning, the extensive engagement and technical assistance provided to cities and towns, and the length of time needed to create the homes we need, this amendment is not only unnecessary, but is harmful.
#27 – Burdens Cities and Towns with MBTA Communities Law Impact Reports
This amendment would place an unfunded burden on municipalities to provide EOHLC with analysis as to the impact of compliance with the MBTA Communities Act on housing construction, local infrastructure, and local schools – information that is not readily available and would be difficult to produce. If passed, this amendment would place a significant strain on scarce municipal resources without a clear benefit.
#136, 277, and 296 – Limits Eligible Bidders for Public Housing Projects
These amendments limit eligible bidders on public housing capital projects to only contractors and subcontractors with apprenticeship programs. If passed, this amendment would eliminate fair competition on public housing projects, reduce the already small pool of bidders, increase the cost of work, result in uncompleted jobs, and adversely affect residents’ living conditions.
#158 – Weakens the Community Preservation Act
This amendment alters the fundamental housing goal of CPA (the production of new affordable housing and the preservation of existing affordable housing) by allowing funds to be used for unrelated housing rehabilitation projects. If passed, this amendment would restrict already-scarce housing resources and hamper the ability to expand the number of affordable homes in Massachusetts.
