Housing (Property Development) in Massachusetts

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 8, 2026

H 5560: An Act creating the engaging neighborhoods, organizations, unions, governments and households fund ("The ENOUGH Act")

This bill creates the ENOUGH Fund to support collaborative efforts aimed at reducing poverty in Massachusetts's most distressed neighborhoods. The fund will be administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and can be financed through state appropriations, donations, and interest earnings. It provides grants to place-based partnerships involving schools, local governments, and non-profits to develop comprehensive strategies that address needs such as housing, health, education, and job access. Eligible communities must have high concentrations of low-income residents or children living in poverty to qualify for these grants. The program includes specific funding tracks for partnership development, planning, and long-term implementation to ensure sustained community improvement.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6207: An Act to establish a surcharge on specific residential development activities for the purpose of funding the creation of community housing

This bill establishes a new fee for the town of Lexington to help pay for affordable community housing. It requires developers who demolish existing single- or two-family homes to build new ones to pay a surcharge based on the square footage of their new construction, unless the project is specifically for community housing. The town's select board will set the fee amount, which will be adjusted annually for inflation, and the money collected will go into a dedicated trust fund for housing projects. A building permit cannot be finalized until this fee is paid, and the town must review the program's effectiveness every seven years.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Building Codes Property Development

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 8, 2026

H 5473: An Act relative to authorizing the conveyance of certain parcels of land in the city of Fall River

This bill authorizes the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to transfer 21.55 acres of vacant land in Fall River to the city's Redevelopment Authority for a price of $1. The transferred land will be used for residential, commercial, and other economic development projects under an existing urban renewal plan. Any money earned from selling or leasing this land must be placed into the state's Transportation Trust Fund, with at least $10 million specifically designated to help fund a new parking garage and maintenance of local paths and sidewalks. The law also requires independent appraisals of future land sales to be reviewed by state officials and includes a clause that the land will return to the state if it is not developed.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate May 11, 2026

SD 3905: Department of Revenue FY25 Annual Report

This bill requires the Department of Revenue to submit its annual report for fiscal year 2025 as mandated by state law. The legislation also clarifies rules regarding tax credits for investments in certified housing and offshore wind facilities, allowing taxpayers to claim these benefits through 2025. Additionally, it adjusts the aggregate limit for certain tax credits to $15,000,000. These provisions are designed to update existing tax codes related to renewable energy and housing development.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Wind Property Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

HD 5799: A communication from the Massachusetts Life Insurance Community Investment Initiative, LLC (see Section 2(e) of Chapter 259 of the Acts of 1998) submitting its annual report and statement of financial condition for calendar year 2025 [copies of said report were forwarded to the committee on Ways and Means, the committee on Financial Services, and the committee on Revenue, as required by said law]

This document is a formal submission of the annual report and financial statement for the Massachusetts Life Insurance Community Investment Initiative, LLC for the year 2025. It details the capital contributions made by various participating life insurance companies and lists specific loans and grants provided to organizations for affordable housing, school construction, and community development projects across the state. The report includes financial data showing a total aggregate capital contributed of approximately $96.3 million and outlines individual investments with their intended community impact ratings. This filing serves to inform state insurance and financial committees about the initiative's activities and financial status as required by existing law.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 6, 2026

H 5487: An Act to establish a surcharge on specific residential development activities for the purpose of funding the creation of community housing

By Representative Ciccolo of Lexington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5487) of Michelle L. Ciccolo and Cindy F. Friedman (by vote of the town) that the town of Lexington be authorized to establish a surcharge on certain residential development activities for the purpose of funding the creation of community housing. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Property Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House May 26, 2026

HD 6068: A communication from the Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities (see Section 2XXX of Chapter 29 of the General Laws) submitting the District Local Technical Assistance annual report for fiscal year 2025

This document is an annual report submitted to the Massachusetts legislature detailing the activities of the District Local Technical Assistance program for fiscal year 2025. The program, which receives a $3 million allocation, provides technical assistance to local communities through thirteen Regional Planning Agencies to help with housing planning, zoning updates, and economic development projects. The report lists specific funded initiatives across various regions, such as creating master plans, developing design guidelines, and studying transit options to support local governance and community needs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning Tags Data Reporting

signed · Massachusetts · House Jun 25, 2026

H 5442: An Act relative to certain affordable housing and cultural space in the Brighton section of the city of Boston

This bill exempts a specific redevelopment project by the Boston Housing Authority in Brighton from most state laws governing public construction contracts. The project aims to create affordable, mixed-income housing, cultural spaces, and musician rehearsal rooms on two designated parcels. Instead of following standard procurement rules, the bill requires the project to adhere only to specific sections of Chapter 149 regarding public works. This change allows the authority more flexibility in selecting contractors and managing the acquisition of land needed to complete the development.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

in committee · Massachusetts · House Feb 17, 2026

HD 5686: An Act establishing the missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program

By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam J. Scanlon for legislation to establish a missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 2970: Amendment S.2970

S.2970 authorizes the transfer of two state-owned parcels in Brockton to specific entities for community development. It directs the commissioner to convey land to Catholic Charitable Bureau for affordable housing (for households at or below 80% area median income) and a community services center, with a 2030 deadline for completion. The bill also allows conveyance of another parcel to the city of Brockton for redevelopment, requiring the city to share net proceeds equally with the state (or at least 40% to the state). Both transfers occur for $1 consideration and include strict usage requirements, with land reverting to the state if purposes are not maintained.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

All housing bills