On August 1, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) made administrative changes to the emergency rental assistance program Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT).
Housing News
July 28, 2022
Governor Charlie Baker today signed the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, a $52.7 billion budget with historic investments in affordable housing programs along with other critical priorities.The final budget deposits nearly $1.5 billion into the Rainy Day Fund bringing the balance of the Fund to $8.4 billion.
CHAPA thanks the Legislature and Governor Baker for making historic investments in affordable housing programs. These investments are critical as Massachusetts recovers from the pandemic.
July 27, 2022
On July 27, the U.S. Treasury Department released updated guidance that allows governments to use State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to fully finance long-term affordable housing loans, including the principal of any such loans, subject to certain conditions and other changes that will facilitate significant additional financing for affordable housing projects, including those using the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).
July 26, 2022
On July 26, the Baker-Polito Administration, through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), awarded $50 million in direct funding and $89 million in state and federal tax credits to support 26 affordable housing projects, including 384 homes for households with very low-incomes.
July 26, 2022
The Legislature passed a $52.7 billion annual budget (H 5050) for the fiscal year 2023, which began on July 1st with an interim spending plan in place on July 18th.
July 22, 2022
The State Senate concluded debate on its Economic Development Bill late Thursday evening. The Senate adopted the following housing related sections by amendment.
July 20, 2022
On July 19, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means released its Economic Development Bill proposal (S.3018).
July 20, 2022
On July 20, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded $31 million in direct subsidies, tax credits, and rental vouchers for permanent supportive housing. According to the Governor's press release, the awards will support 11 projects, including 237 affordable homes with supportive services and 200 shelter beds for individuals and families.
Awarded Projects:
Award Recipients:
July 19, 2022
On July 14, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed its Economic Development Bill after two days of debate. The housing-related sections in the final House Economic Development Bill (H.5034) remained largely unchanged compared to the bill released earlier by the House Ways and Means Committee. However, the House did add language to update adaptability and accessibility standards for newly built multifamily housing.
July 18, 2022
The House and Senate both unanimously approved a compromise $52.7 billion annual budget (H 5050) for the fiscal year 2023, which began on July 1st with an interim spending plan in place.
The bill proposes a $1.46 billion deposit to the state's Rainy Day fund, which would bring it to the balance of $7.35 billion. The bill includes $14 billion in federal reimbursements and other sources, with the total funds for the budget being $54.87 billion.