Governor
Healey Highlights Affordable
Homes Act in Worcester and Amherst
Largest housing investment in state history will unlock creation of 40,000 new homes statewide
AMHERST – Today, Governor
Maura T. Healey visited housing developments in
Worcester and Amherst to highlight her $4 billion Affordable Homes Act that proposes revolutionary investments in housing throughout Massachusetts. This package of spending, policy and programmatic actions will
help drive housing production, housing preservation and invest in the state’s housing safety net
system.
“This historic package tackles the housing crisis head on to help make Massachusetts more
affordable and accessible in
every region – from Amherst to Worcester to the Cape. It will spur the
creation, preservation and modernization of nearly 70,000 housing units and
gives communities the tools they need to enact local
solutions to their housing challenges,” said Governor
Healey. "We need
to meet this moment by increasing housing
production and lowering costs so people can
continue to live, work and build a future in Massachusetts.”
“As a former Mayor, I know how important it is that we make our housing sector
more affordable for growing families and workers so they are able to stay here in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant
Governor Driscoll. “The Affordable Homes Act addresses our housing
shortage and will bring
costs down, making life in
Massachusetts more affordable for all.”
“Housing
costs are the number one issue facing Massachusetts families. When the governor
created the new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, she gave
us a clear charge: Build more housing and build it faster – drive down those
housing costs,” said Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus. “The
Affordable Homes Act will empower communities to tackle rising housing costs
and ensure the next generation can continue to call places like Worcester and Amherst home.”
In
Worcester, Governor Healey and local officials toured the Courthouse Lofts, a mixed-income redeveloped property
with 118 units in Downtown Worcester that
preserved its significant historic exterior. The building is in the Lincoln
Square neighborhood and was formerly used as the Worcester County Courthouse,
which closed in 2007. The project was financed
through local, state, and federal resources, including the
Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Housing Stabilization Fund – two programs
that would be expanded by the Affordable Homes Act.
“I am
beyond thrilled that Governor Healey has put forward a plan to kickstart the
production of new homes and modernize existing ones across Massachusetts,” said Senator
Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The Commonwealth’s housing crisis is being felt by everyone,
but especially in communities in my district like Worcester where long-time
renters are being priced out of their homes because there are simply not enough
units to meet demand. While the reasons for our housing crunch are nuanced, one
of the most straightforward ways we can help alleviate this burden is by
reducing scarcity through building more homes – be it single family, townhomes,
apartments, or condos. The Governor’s proposal is a great first step – I am
hopeful that the Legislature will quickly come together with the Healey
Administration to make sure everyone has a safe and affordable place to call
home, regardless of income.”
“Although
I was unable to attend today’s visit from Governor Healey, I’m grateful and
excited for the Housing Bond Bill. Affordable housing paramount to the
continued success of the City of Worcester, and I look forward to seeing what
comes from this new investment,” said Mayor of
Worcester Joseph Petty.
“Thank
you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and Housing Secretary Augustus, for
their bold leadership to address the Commonwealth’s housing challenges, and for
their ongoing support of Worcester and Central Massachusetts,” said Worcester
City Manager Eric D. Batista. “The Affordable Homes Act will spark more affordable
housing, sustainable development, and opportunities for residents of all
socioeconomic status.”
In
Amherst, the Governor toured the East Gables
Studio Apartment Complex, which
provides 28 units of permanent supportive housing in
walking distance to downtown and with access to public transportation, bike
trails and green space. It was supported in part by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and
Housing Innovation Fund, which would both be expanded
under Governor Healey’s bill. After the tour, the Governor participated in a
roundtable with local leaders to discuss the region’s housing needs.
"I'm
delighted to join Governor Maura Healey, Secretary Ed Augustus, and
Representative Mindy Domb as we engage deeply with Amherst leaders on issues of
affordable housing, equity, and the intersection of climate,” said Senator
Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “Amherst has long led the way on these critical issues. I'm
heartened that the Administration is making it a priority to engage with the
town’s housing leaders in light of its powerful Housing Bond Bill proposal, as
it's essential that this legislation works for western Massachusetts."
"I’m
excited that Governor Healey and her housing team have created this opportunity
to visit Amherst and see what we have been able to achieve and learn about our
housing hopes for the future, as a community committed to supporting and
producing housing for all. This includes the town’s plans to build a regional
homeless shelter, its continued dedication to produce affordable housing units
and affordable home ownership opportunities,” said Representative
Mindy Domb. “And, we’re doing all of this while meeting the town’s ambitious climate goals. I’m
proud to show Governor Healey and her administration how our community says
‘yes’ and ‘more’ to housing. I’m honored to share the housing pressures we
experience and to advocate for the tools Amherst and other communities need to
respond to our housing crisis.”
“We appreciate the visit by Governor Healey and Secretary Augustus
to Amherst and for taking the time to visit our exciting new development East
Gables. We are proud the Governor recognizes the great work the town is doing to create a wide range of
housing opportunities,” said Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman. “More
importantly, I want to commend the Governor for her strong, groundbreaking
initiative, the Affordable Homes Act. Housing is a critical need in our region.
This comprehensive list of proposals will provide the tools we need – such as
tax credits, administrative improvements, and actual funding – to create more housing that
is affordable. The
Town of Amherst will take advantage of many of the proposals in the Act, such
as funds for supportive housing services that are not funded through any other
sources. The Governor and her administration walk the talk when it comes to
increasing the supply and affordability of housing.”
If
enacted, the Affordable Homes Act would be the largest housing investment in state history to comprehensively create,
preserve and modernize housing across the state. This
builds on the housing investments in the tax cuts package that Governor Healey
signed into law last month, including:
·
Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) –
increases annual program cap from $10 million to $57 million in 2023, and
thereafter to $30 million annually
·
Rental deduction – increases
rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $4,000.
·
Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit – Doubles the
credit, from $1,200 to $2,400 for low-income seniors to help minimizes their
taxes.
·
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) –
increases annual program cap from $40 million to $60 million
·
Estate Tax – Increases the
threshold from $1 million to $2 million with a credit that mitigates the cliff
effect. This change brings Massachusetts more in line with other states and
keeps pace with the rising value of homes in communities across the state. This
reform will allow seniors to pass on generational wealth, making it more
attractive to retire and age in Massachusetts and for families to stay
geographically close.
