We encourage you to become involved in one or more of our committees. Committees generally meet on a quarterly basis. If you signed up for a committee last year and want to remain on this committee, there is no need to sign up again.

1. Public Housing Committee

The public housing committee plays an important role in convening diverse interests in the public housing community to develop a common agenda. The committee includes members from Mass. Union of Public Housing Tenants, MassNAHRO, DHCD, and many other groups. This year, we will focus on proposed legislation regarding public housing reform; mixed financing for state public housing; adequate funding for operating subsidies and modernization; sponsoring our stakeholders conference; and implementation of other committee recommendations.

2. Tenant-Based Section 8 Committee (Housing Choice Voucher Program)

Over the past few years, this committee has focused extensively on ensuring adequate funding for the federal Section 8 voucher program in the HUD budget, advocating for passage of the Section Eight Voucher Reform Act (SEVRA), assessing the impact of the foreclosure crisis on voucher holders, and training activities. In 2010, our activities will include: conducting research, advocating for program and policy changes with HUD and Congress, advocating for passage SEVRA, and encouraging effective use of project-based vouchers.

3. Homelessness Committee

This committee has advocated for more permanent affordable housing for homeless and formerly homeless people and increased access to rental assistance; expansion of homeless prevention programs; interaction with the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness; developing a database of "set-aside" units for households below 30% of area median income; and sponsorship of forums and trainings for policymakers on homelessness issues. In the coming year, the committee will continue our training and advocacy efforts, especially regarding implementation of the regional coordinating networks and other recommendations contained in the homeless commission report

4. Chapter 40B Committee

Over the past several years, this committee focused extensively on new guidelines, regulations, research, training and technical assistance. This year, the committee will continue to focus on implementation of the 2008 regulations and guidelines, monitor proposed legislation, conduct ongoing research, and sponsor additional training programs. Most of the work occurs in subcommittees, including an education and training subcommittee, which are formed as specific issues arise.

5. Homeownership Collaborative Advisory Committee

This advisory committee directs and oversees CHAPA's Homeownership Collaborative, which provides comprehensive training and support approximately 60 homebuyer counseling agencies in Massachusetts. The Advisory committee meets twice each year, but various subcommittees meet more frequently.

6. Access Code Committee

This committee, which was formed in 2008, is focusing on the present and planned supply of affordable housing units for people with disabilities and how it can better meet the regulatory mandates of both state and federal fair housing laws. In 2009, the committee completed a major study on comparing state and federal accessibility codes. In 2010, the committee will be working on implementing the recommendations contained in the report and conducting outreach to key stakeholders regarding accessibility issues.

7. Multifamily Finance Committee

In light of the crisis in the financial markets, CHAPA formed a new committee last year to address the immediate crisis in the low income housing tax credit program as well as longer term issues such as the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The committee will be developing recommendations to the state housing agencies, the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, and the Obama Administration regarding the financing of low and moderate income rental housing. A subcommittee will be focusing on preserving the existing stock of multifamily assisted housing.

8. Smart Growth and Affordable Housing

This committee has worked on policies and strategies to make affordable housing a greater focus of smart growth initiatives and community planning activities across the state. Key activities have included: representing affordable housing interests in ongoing smart growth and regional planning efforts; developing smart growth principles; developing educational materials and a power point presentation on affordable housing and smart growth; and providing technical assistance on local housing strategies.

9. Planning and Land Use Committee

This committee has brought together municipal planners, consultants, and others to share information on affordable housing and community planning issues across the state, to provide input into CHAPA board policies in this area, to discuss issues of land use and zoning reform, and to explore the training needs of volunteer board members at the local level.

10. Foreclosure Committee

This committee, formed in 2008, has been working on a range of foreclosure issues, including acquisition and redevelopment of foreclosed properties, foreclosure prevention counseling, tenant protections, and information and training. Under the committee’s direction, we established a foreclosure clearinghouse on CHAPA’s web site, started an online database of foreclosed properties in partnership with The Warren Group, sponsored a statewide conference, and advocated for enactment and implementation of the new federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program. In 2010, we will continue our focus on putting foreclosed properties back to productive use, advocating for new state legislation, sponsoring trainings, and other priority activities as determined by the committee.

11. Committee on Housing for People With Disabilities

In 2009, CHAPA reactivated its committee to advocate for more affordable housing for people with disabilities. This year, the committee’s agenda will include: providing advice on the Mass Access Housing Registry; advocating for key state and federal programs, such as the Alternative Housing Voucher Program and the Section 811 Program; and coordinating with the Access Code Committee and the Housing Subcommittee of the Transformation Systems Group on implementation of key recommendations.

Download the committee application form here.