This bill modifies fees collected under Chapter 64D to redirect funds into three specific trust funds: the Global Warming Solutions Trust Fund (for climate programs), the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and the Housing Preservation and Stabilization Trust Fund. It increases certain fees (e.g., from $1.50 to $1.71) and requires that funds deposited into these trusts prioritize investments in environmental justice populations and regional equity. The bill also creates tax credits for low-income home sellers (25% of the fee payment) and for sellers to first-time homebuyers, with eligibility tied to income thresholds and joint tax filing. These changes aim to channel revenue toward housing affordability and climate adaptation efforts while specifying allocation rules for the trust funds.
HD 1422 would allow all Massachusetts towns and cities to use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to incentivize housing projects, specifically targeting residential rehabilitation and commercial building conversions. The bill requires the Economic Assistance and Community Capital (EACC) to designate eligible areas based on criteria like job creation, business growth, or rehabilitating neglected buildings. Municipalities must get EACC approval for TIF agreements before they can take effect, ensuring projects align with state goals of boosting housing supply and economic resilience. This change removes previous restrictions, making TIF available statewide for qualifying housing and commercial conversion projects.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 991) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to create a interagency supportive housing finance and strategy board to end and prevent homelessness. Housing.
This bill (SD 2242) creates new requirements for seasonal communities (like coastal towns) to increase year-round housing options. It requires developers building 10+ units to set aside 3 units as affordable housing or pay fees ($7,500-$15,000/unit), funds the "year-round housing trust fund" via a 1.5% restaurant meal tax surcharge, and changes zoning rules to allow smaller year-round housing units. Municipalities must adopt zoning that permits year-round housing as a right and adjust property taxes based on occupancy. These changes directly affect seasonal communities, developers, school districts, and year-round residents seeking affordable housing.
By Representative Mendes of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1552) of Rita A. Mendes for legislation to create an interagency supportive housing finance and strategy board. Housing.
This bill allows Edgartown's Affordable Housing Trust to use funds for community housing projects targeting households earning up to 180% of Dukes County's median household income (as reported by HUD). It directly affects low-to-moderate-income residents in Edgartown who qualify under this income threshold. The key provision expands the trust's spending flexibility for general housing funds, while explicitly stating that Community Preservation Act funds must still follow their separate income limits. The change clarifies how existing trust resources can be applied to support more households in affordable housing.
HD 4975 allows the West Tisbury Affordable Housing Trust to use its funds for community housing projects targeting households earning up to 150% of Dukes County's median income (as reported by HUD). This specifically expands the income eligibility for trust-funded housing beyond previous limits, though Community Preservation Act funds remain subject to their own income rules. The bill directly affects low-to-moderate-income households in West Tisbury seeking affordable housing through the town's trust fund. It makes no changes to other housing programs or funding sources.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3149) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to study reforms to the low-income housing tax credit program. Revenue.
By Representative Walsh of Peabody, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1574) of Thomas P. Walsh that home buyers be provided copies of the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency homebuyers’ guide. Housing.
By Representative Moakley of Falmouth and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4186) of Thomas W. Moakley (by vote of the town) relative to the affordable housing trust fund of the town of Edgartown. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]
