E-Bulletins

MHP seeks market research consultants for LHA grant program BOSTON, Aug. 19, 2008 --- The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) announced today that it is seeking statements of qualifications from market research consultants for its Planning Grant Program for local housing authorities (LHA's).

5 communities receive grants to upgrade, add housing authority units BOSTON, May 22, 2008 --- The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) have awarded planning grants to five local housing authorities that will help them modernize their state-funded affordable housing portfolio, or create new units on surplus land.

DHCD, MHP announce new grant program for housing authorities BOSTON, Jan. 15, 2008 --- Planning grants are available to help housing authorities determine whether their project ideas could benefit from mixed financing, including tax-exempt debt and tax credits.

CPA used for housing in variety of ways BOSTON, June 28, 2007 --- MHP has written the first in a series of project profiles that describe how communities have used CPA to fund affordable housing efforts. The CPA series is meant to give communities ideas on how these funds can be used for affordable housing.

MHP provides clarity on housing authorities & related non-profits BOSTON, May 16 ---- In reaction to frequent questions on the topic, MHP has researched and prepared a chart outlining issues relating to housing authority formation of a related non-profit.

Every community is part of the housing solution As local rules have been criticized as being a source of the state's housing woes, MHP is holding three workshops in the first half of 2006 to help communities zone for affordable housing.

Guidelines for local review of 40B proposals In an effort to help cities and towns review housing development proposals submitted under the law commonly known as Chapter 40B, MHP has released new guidelines to help zoning boards of appeal (ZBA) review applications for comprehensive permits.

CPA growth & affordable housing As more communities adopt the Community Preservation Act, there will be more questions about how it can be used for affordable housing. This ebulletin outlines some potential uses, highlights what some communities have done and where MHP has played a supportive role in rental housing and homeownership, in combination with CPA support and local CPA groups.

Leasing public land for affordable housing The state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the state attorney general's office have joined together to provide guidance on the applicability of laws regarding public construction and bidding processes when communities lease municipal land to private developers.

Explainer on changes to Municipal Housing Trust Fund laws MHP has written a brief explainer on the changes and potential impact of Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act, which simplifies the process of establishing a local housing trust fund, and gives communities greater ability to help in the development of affordable housing.