Housing News

State Updates DHCD Announces Compact Neighborhoods Policy to Encourage Smart Growth Zoning

Please click here to access the conference materials.

The National Housing Preservation Database was created by the Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation (PAHRC) and the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) in an effort to provide communities with the information they need to effectively preserve their stock of public and affordable housing. The National Housing Preservation Database incorporates all available data on federally subsidized housing properties and includes nine separate funding streams.

The new Boston Indicators Project website contains new features such as interactive visualizations and new blog, Shaping the Future.

Funding Overview: Pursuant to Chapter 206 of the Acts of 2007, An Act Protecting and Preserving Homeownership, the Massachusetts Legislature has approved the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $2 million for grants in support of first-time homeownership counseling programs and for Regional Foreclosure Education Centers. Eligibility Requirements:

Please click here to download the Fall 2012 Sustainable Communities Magazine.

What is VITA? ABCD provides free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) as part of the EITC Coalition, as led by Mayor Thomas M. Menino. We help residents prepare and electronically file tax returns. Thousands of individuals get the tax credits they deserve because of special people like you. The Financial Futures Initiative at ABCD would like to make sure that none of our residents in Boston are left out from getting the money they deserve. What Can I Do as a VITA Volunteer? ABCD is looking for volunteers to serve as…

According to language contained within the new policy document, "The Department of Housing and Community Development will offer, effective November 14, 2012, additional incentives to municipalities that adopt zoning districts promoting the Commonwealth’s strong interest in housing for working families of all incomes and in smart growth.  For purposes of this Policy, these zoning districts will be called “Compact Neighborhoods.”  This new tool complements Chapter 40R, the Commonwealth’s Smart Growth Overlay District statute."

Report finds changing demand for housing in Greater Boston, calls for emphasis on transit-oriented, higher density development