Housing News

Today, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) announced their selection of seven communities for their Municipal Engagement Initiative (MEI) 2022 cohort. MEI provides support and technical assistance to communities in their efforts to create coalitions in support of affordable housing. With local expertise at the forefront, MEI seeks to help municipalities develop unique, actionable strategies that work within the context of each community. 

On December 15, 2021, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) released draft guidelines for the new multifamily zoning requirement for MBTA communities. Along with the guidelines, DHCD also posted information about technical assistance, upcoming webinars, the public comment period, and other supplemental information.

On December 13, 2021, Governor Baker signed the spending bill into law for more than half of the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fiscal Recovery Funds. The law provides over $600 million in affordable housing investments, including funds to create new rental and homeownership opportunities, build supportive housing, and restore public housing. The Governor vetoed language that included reporting requirements but left spending amounts intact.

                

CHAPA sent the following letter to Governor Baker with recommendations to sign the ARPA spending bill sent to him by the Legislature. December 6, 2021 Governor Charlie Baker Massachusetts State House 24 Beacon St., Room 280 Boston, MA 02133                                

The following analyzes the language of the affordable housing related programs in the Conference Committee Report (H.4269) of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending proposal.

On December 3, 2021, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) released its Draft 2022–2023 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP).  Analysis of Differences Between 2020-2021 QAP & 2022-2023 QAP Draft

On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, the Massachusetts Legislature's conference committee released its negotiated spending plan for more than half of the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fiscal Recovery Funds. Their plan includes over $600 million for affordable housing investments. CHAPA thanks Representatives Michlewitz, Hunt, and Smola, and Senators Rodrigues, Friedman, and O'Connor for prioritizing affordable housing! These housing investments are outlined below:

On December 21, 2021, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) announced a new Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) Security Deposit Program, effective January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.

  JOINT PRESS RELEASE Funding will expand access to emergency housing assistance through local groups’ outreach