An Act further defining the purposes of the affordable housing trust in the city of Somerville

This bill expands the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust's funding purposes to include two specific areas: (1) housing-related social services like tenant mediation, legal aid, homelessness prevention, and housing counseling, and (2) startup costs for new affordable housing projects. It directly affects Somerville residents, particularly low-income households and vulnerable populations needing housing support services. Crucially, the trust can now fund these services without requiring them to be tied to physical housing units or to increase the city's affordable housing stock. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, clarifying the trust's expanded role in supporting housing stability and access.