Housing (Community Development)

signed · Massachusetts · House Oct 8, 2025

H 4532: An Act relative to certain affordable housing and branch library space in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston

This bill exempts construction and redevelopment activities for affordable housing and a branch library at 555-559 Columbia Road in Dorchester, Boston, from standard public contracting rules (like Chapter 149). Instead, it requires adherence to specific sections of Chapter 149 (26-27H) for procurement, while allowing property acquisition costs to exceed typical limits. The exemption applies if the project uses low-income housing tax credits or federal funding, but standard rules for public works contracts still apply in those cases. The bill also specifies that transferring the project to certain nonprofit or redevelopment entities must follow Chapter 30B rules.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts affordable housing construction from standard contracting rules to facilitate development using low-income tax credits, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3774: An Act relative to voluntary municipal right of first refusal

This bill allows municipalities to voluntarily participate in a program giving them the first right to purchase certain properties for affordable housing. It directly affects property owners of buildings with three or fewer units or mid-size multifamily buildings who receive an offer to sell. Municipalities must be notified by the owner when a sale offer is received, then have 120 days to inspect, match the sale price, and buy the property to maintain as permanently deed-restricted affordable housing. Owners of qualifying properties receive up to $500 per unit (capped at $10,000 per property) plus recording costs, with total program payments limited to $5 million. The program is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development under new regulations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables municipalities to acquire properties for permanent affordable housing via right of first refusal, directly advancing affordable housing goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 9, 2026

H 316: An Act to promote Massachusetts business competitiveness and affordable living

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 316) of Steven George Xiarhos and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., for an investigation by a special committee on Massachusetts business competitiveness and affordable living, which shall be charged with oversight of matters to improve the ability of businesses, to form and thrive under law, and to lower the cost of living for residents and families. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to lower cost of living for residents, directly addressing housing affordability as part of its goal to promote affordable living.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 18, 2025

H 4296: An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to dispose of certain parcels of land in the city of Brockton

This bill authorizes the state to transfer two specific parcels of land in Brockton for community use. The first parcel (to Catholic Charitable Bureau) is for affordable housing (for households earning ≤80% of area median income) and a community services center, sold for $1 with a reversion clause if purposes are violated. The second parcel (to the city of Brockton) is for redevelopment, also sold for $1, with net proceeds split equally between the city and state. Both transfers require competitive bidding if not used by 2030, and include oversight mechanisms like independent appraisals and committee reporting.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes affordable housing development for ≤80% AMI with $1 sale and reversion clause, directly advancing housing access and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3838: An Act to expand designation of priority development sites

HD 3838 expands how Massachusetts municipalities can designate "priority development sites" for streamlined permitting. It requires properties to be approved by town meetings or included in specific plans like community development plans (which must cover housing, infrastructure, climate resiliency, and economic development), or approved by planning boards. Municipalities seeking designation must submit formal proposals including property details and owner authorization, and may request technical assistance grants. The bill also creates a new 2-year technical assistance program for towns to develop required community plans, with funding available for municipalities that have already permitted one priority site. This directly affects cities and towns aiming to accelerate housing and economic development projects.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates climate resiliency in community development plans for designated sites, directly linking development to environmental protection requirements.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands streamlined permitting for housing-focused development sites via community plans requiring housing inclusion, advancing housing supply development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4504: An Act relative to certain affordable housing and branch library space in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston

This bill exempts a specific Dorchester affordable housing and branch library project from standard public procurement laws in Massachusetts (like Chapter 149 and Chapter 7C). It allows the Boston Redevelopment Authority and Boston Public Library to bypass typical public bidding requirements for planning, construction, and property acquisition related to this single project on city-owned land. However, if the project uses federal low-income housing tax credits or tax-exempt bonds, construction contracts for related public works must follow standard Chapter 30, Section 39M rules. The bill also specifies that transferring the project to a nonprofit developer must comply with Chapter 30B, unless the entity is controlled by the library.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts Dorchester affordable housing project from procurement rules to facilitate development, advancing housing access on city-owned land.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 767: An Act promoting resilience against the heat-related impacts of climate change

This bill establishes a state-funded program to provide cooling assistance to low-income households with vulnerable members, including seniors, young children, and people with certain health conditions. It requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to administer the program, prioritizing households at highest risk, and prohibits utility shutoffs for cooling during extreme heat (95°F+ heat index) or poor air quality. The bill also mandates a study on housing temperature standards and creates an extreme heat task force to develop emergency response plans and coordinate cooling solutions across state agencies. These provisions directly affect low-income residents in Massachusetts facing heat-related health risks, with program eligibility tied to income limits (60% of state median income).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds for cooling assistance program targeting vulnerable households, directly funding a public service through state budget appropriations.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProhibits utility shutoffs for cooling during extreme heat, protecting vulnerable consumers in the energy utility sector.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directly addresses climate change impacts through heat resilience program, prioritizing vulnerable populations and prohibiting utility shutoffs during extreme heat events, aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds cooling assistance for low-income housing residents via Department of Housing, prohibits utility shutoffs during heat events, directly advancing housing affordability and tenant protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Climate Change Community Development Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 6, 2025

H 1496: An Act relative to residential assistance for families in transition (RAFT)

By Representative Donahue of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1496) of Daniel M. Donahue that the Department of Housing and Community Development administer residential assistance for the Families in Transition Homelessness Prevention Program. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAdministers residential assistance for homelessness prevention program, directly supporting affordable housing access and preventing homelessness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Homelessness Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 19, 2025

H 313: An Act encouraging smart growth and starter home zoning adoption

By Representative Vieira of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 313) of David T. Vieira relative to smart growth and starter home zoning adoption. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill encourages smart growth and starter home zoning adoption, directly advancing affordable housing development through zoning reforms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1288: An Act enabling a local option empty homes tax on vacant units in residential buildings

This bill allows cities and towns to impose a local tax on vacant residential units in buildings with six or more units that have been unoccupied for 90 consecutive days or newly constructed units not rented within 90 days of occupancy. The tax rate would be 12.5% of the last agreed rental rate or set by the municipality, requiring owners to register vacant units with the local tax office within 30 days. Exemptions apply for units undergoing active redevelopment, during military deployment, after significant medical events, inheritance, or title disputes. It directly affects property owners in qualifying multi-unit buildings, with the tax applying only if a municipality chooses to adopt the program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates local tax revenue source for municipalities through vacant property tax, aligning with fiscal management and budgetary generation.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingTax on vacant units incentivizes rental availability, increasing housing supply to support affordability without direct tenant protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Taxes

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