Hearing held on governor’s housing bond bill

MMA Legislative Director Dave Koffman, left, and MMA Legislative Analyst Ali DiMatteo testify before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Housing on Jan 18.

The MMA was among those testifying in support of the governor’s Affordable Homes Act on Jan. 18 before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Housing.

The State House hearing was standing-room-only, with dozens of legislators and elected officials also testifying in support of the bill and speaking to the need for more housing.

The $4.1 billion, five-year housing bond bill includes spending, policy and programmatic actions intended to jumpstart the production of housing and make it more affordable across Massachusetts.

Key investments include:
• $250 million for various HousingWorks programs, including $175 million for the HousingWorks Infrastructure Program
• $800 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
• $425 million for the Housing Stabilization and Investment Fund

“Every municipality in the Commonwealth can identify housing rehabilitation and development projects that are ready to go,” testified MMA Legislative Analyst Ali DiMatteo, “and this additional funding will provide much-needed assistance to move these projects into the action phase.”

MMA Legislative Director Dave Koffman said the MMA is eager to work with the administration and the Legislature to support local housing initiatives while empowering communities.

“The MMA is committed to working with this committee to ensure this legislation remains bold in its scope and can provide needed flexibility to support municipalities in meeting their local housing goals,” he said.

The MMA also submitted extensive written testimony to the committee.

Gov. Maura Healey filed her Affordable Homes Act this past October.