AG HEALEY TARGETS COMPANIES SELLING PRE-QUALIFICATION SOFTWARE THAT DISCRIMINATES AGAINST PROSPECTIVE TENANTS

AG HEALEY TARGETS COMPANIES SELLING PRE-QUALIFICATION SOFTWARE THAT DISCRIMINATES AGAINST PROSPECTIVE TENANTS

AG’s Office Reaches Resolutions with Web-Based Property Management Companies Selling Software that Excludes Tenants Who Receive Public Assistance; Part of AG’s Ongoing  Investigation into the Tenant Screening and Background Check Industry

 

            BOSTON – As part of her office’s ongoing efforts against illegal tenant-screening practices, Attorney General Maura Healey announced agreements with two companies following claims of marketing and selling “pre-qualification software” to property managers and landlords in Massachusetts that facilitated discrimination against certain tenants.

            The assurances of discontinuance, filed in Suffolk Superior Court, allege that Buildium, LLC, and Tenant Turner, Inc., which provide web-based property management services, falsely marketed and sold the software as providing “fair housing-compliant” tenant screening for landlords, despite the fact that it explicitly offered the option for landlords to unlawfully exclude recipients of government housing vouchers as well as tenants with certain felony convictions from consideration as tenants.

            “Public rental assistance programs are critical to the economic security of the most vulnerable residents in Massachusetts, yet source of income discrimination continues to be a pervasive practice amongst housing providers, creating a major barrier in the search for a safe and affordable place to live,” said AG Healey. “This software was designed to unlawfully exclude certain prospective tenants from consideration, and my office will take action to stop companies like these from perpetuating inequality and harming our communities.”

            Investigations into Buildium and Tenant Turner began after a referral from the Cambridge Human Rights Commission, which received a complaint from a property management company that had inadvertently selected an option in the software to automatically disqualify all tenants who received government subsidies, and later discovered this error after hearing from a prospective tenant who was denied a showing due to her housing voucher. The AG’s investigation discovered that the software provided all its property manager customers with the option to exclude recipients of government housing vouchers, after which prospective tenants received an automated message from the software stating that they were disqualified. The AG’s Office also found that the software also had a toggle button function which operated to disqualify all tenants who were convicted of felony crimes within a certain time period.

            Under the terms of the settlement, Buildium and Tenant Turner will pay a total of $100,000 to the Commonwealth. The companies are also prohibited from offering any features in the tenant pre-qualification software that automatically disqualify or “auto-archive” prospective tenants on the basis of receipt of public assistance or criminal convictions; that allow housing providers to identify whether prospective tenants receive housing vouchers; or that automatically generate and send statements of disqualification on the basis of criminal history, or statements indicating preference on the basis of receipt of public assistance. The companies must also adopt new fair housing compliant policies. The toggle button which automatically disqualified tenants who receive government housing vouchers has already been disabled on the software.

 

AG Healey also announced that this resolution is part of a broader investigation into the tenant screening and background check industry. Many tenant screening companies use algorithms to collect and process criminal history, financial, and other information about tenants from multiple sources to evaluate potential tenants. These tools may disproportionately impact Black, brown, low-income, and other protected applicants for rental housing in Massachusetts. The AG’s Office will continue to investigate this industry to determine whether certain companies’ algorithms and other practices violate the state’s consumer protection or civil rights laws.

            These cases are part of the AG’s Office’s continued work to address housing discrimination that impacts Massachusetts residents. Earlier this month, AG Healey announced resolutions in four fair housing cases where prospected tenants were refused housing because of their receipt of public assistance.

 

If you believe you have been a victim of illegal and discriminatory tenant screening practices, or would like to report a civil rights violation to the Attorney General’s Office can file a civil rights complaint online or call 617-963-2917 or call 617-963-2917.

For more information regarding source of income discrimination, AG Healey’s Fair Housing FAQs are available in English and Spanish.

 

The case resolved today was handled by Assistant Attorney General Trini Gao, of AG Healey’s Civil Rights Division, with assistance from Division Chief Abigail Taylor and Investigator Edward Cherubin.

全美黃氏宗親會元老團到訪 波士頓黃氏婦女揮毫題字秀文采

 

波士頓黃氏宗親與元老團訪問團合影。(周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓黃氏宗親會 4月24日下午在帝苑大酒樓席開10圍，和伍胥山公所代表一起，慶祝全美黃氏元老團到訪波士頓行程圓滿順利，宗親會喜獲一萬元捐款。元老團女眷們則是意外得到波士頓婦女部主任黃周麗桃親筆揮毫題詞的書法大作，個個笑顏逐開。

波士頓黃氏宗親會主席黃偉健 (前右三)、黃光沐(前左三)和美東總長黃仁宇(右二)，以及
美東元老團主席黃國威(後左三)等人在黃氏宗親會所歡迎元老團到訪。(黃氏宗親會提供)

              全美黃氏宗親會現有六名元老，包括波士頓有全美最資深黃氏元老黃官羨，美東元老團主席黃國威，以及舊金山的黃惠喜，洛杉磯黃景彬，黃卓才，鳳凰城黃定江。

              隨元老團到訪波士頓的還有舊金山 (三藩市)副總長黃榮達，芝加哥副總長黃耀明，休士頓主席黃孔威，洛杉磯(羅省)總長黃新周。波士頓的美東總長黃仁宇也當然在座。

                           波士頓黃氏宗親會過去這三十年來共出過5名元老，除了黃官羨和黃國威之外，還有已辭世的黃偉炎，黃煜棠，黃君裕。其中的黃偉炎是波士頓經營歷史最長中餐館的九龍餐廳創辦人。

波士頓黃氏宗親會婦女部主任黃周麗桃(右二)逐一解說她為元老團女眷嘉賓們揮筆提詞
的對聯以藏頭詩方式，把她們的名字放在對聯裏。(周菊子攝)

              在波士頓黃氏宗親會主席黃偉健主持，另一主席黃光沐接待的這歡送會中，身為美西元老團主席的黃惠喜，代表元老訪問團致詞。他先特地指出，黃官羨是全美最資深的黃氏元老，接著表示自己從1980年代起，已來過波士頓許多次，這次重遊故地，見景物變遷，有些感慨，但最叫人開心的是，波士頓黃氏宗親會婦女部熱心接待隨團女眷，帶他們去哈佛、MIT遊賞，讓元老團得以安心開會。

             黃惠喜指出，這次元老團出訪的一大成就是，元老們熱心捐款，黃仁宇、黃卓才各捐了三千，他自己和黃國威也各捐了一千元。

黃官羨(中)現在是全美黃氏最資深元老。(周菊子攝)

              由於黃伍一家親的歷史傳統，黃惠喜重申兩姓情誼永在，明年全美伍胥山公所到波士頓懇親，黃氏宗親會當然不能缺席，他已請黃國威與波士頓的伍姓宗親協商，安排黃氏元老團明年參加事宜。

              波士頓黃氏宗親會婦女部主任黃周麗桃不但率領該會婦女部成員，陪同元老團女眷搭乘波士頓旅遊車暢遊哈佛、MIT校園等全程景點，還很有心的用到訪女嘉賓名字，擬就藏頭詩對聯，再親筆揮毫，裱成一幅字畫，送給他們做紀念品。女嘉賓們個個大感意外，高興非常。

              當晚出席的黃氏要員還有主席黃光沐，議長黃國麟，中文書記黃紹培，黃光野，英文書記黃鷹立，和黃展堂等；伍胥山公所有元老伍伯和，總長伍煥華，主席伍輝民，伍偉業，顧問伍紹仁，伍侃滋以集中英文書記伍少武、伍振中等人。

Sonia Chang-Díaz pledges to reject fossil fuel donations at environmental forum

 Sonia Chang-Díaz pledges to reject fossil fuel donations at environmental forum

Sonia Chang-Díaz is the only candidate in the primary to reject fossil fuel donations and to commit to block building new fossil fuel infrastructure

BOSTON, MA - State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Sonia Chang-Díaz pledged to reject all donations from the fossil fuel industry at an in-person forum sponsored by the Environmental League of Massachusetts and WBUR. 

“I’m making a pledge here tonight that I will reject all campaign donations from oil, gas, and coal executives and their lobbyists and their PACs," Chang-Díaz said. "And I want to invite the Attorney General to join me in that pledge so that voters in Massachusetts can know where our loyalties are and where our North Star lies. My anchor is going to be with working families all across this state.” 

Chang-Díaz’s Democratic opponent, Attorney General Maura Healey has accepted $50,000 in contributions with links to the industry since her last election. The Attorney General would not commit to returning any of the funds she received during tonight’s forum or joining Senator Chang-Díaz in pledging to reject any future contributions.

As part of her Green New Deal for Massachusetts, Chang-Díaz has pledged to block the construction of any new fossil fuel infrastructure. The Attorney General has not made the same commitment. 

“We need to have the courage to address the scale of this crisis. I am proud to have put forward the most progressive plan fighting for climate justice,” said Chang-Díaz. “If we’re serious about climate change, every elected leader in the state should make an ongoing commitment to reject donations from the fossil fuel industry.”

In addition to being the only candidate to reject fossil fuel donations, Chang-Díaz is also the only candidate to commit to fare-free public transit and to call for eliminating carbon emissions from all buildings by 2045.

“The climate crisis is an existential threat to our state, our country, and our world — but there are lots of reasons to feel hope,” said Chang-Díaz. “With a Green New Deal for Massachusetts, we can create good climate jobs right here in the Bay State, create fare-free transportation, and expand public transportation across our state. We can make Massachusetts a better place to live for all working people. We just need to have the courage, sense of urgency, and political will to fight for it.” 

For more information about Sonia Chang-Díaz and her campaign for Governor, please visit www.soniachangdiaz.com.

Governor Baker Joins City of Boston Students at Jamaica Pond for Annual Trout Stocking Program

 Governor Baker Joins City of Boston Students at Jamaica Pond for Annual Trout Stocking Program

 

 BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides participated in the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) annual trout stocking program with City of Boston school children and state and local officials to release more than 1,100 state hatchery-raised trout into the city’s Jamaica Pond. Fifth grade students from the John F. Kennedy Elementary School gathered along the pond to help stock 1,000 rainbow trout, 40 brook trout, 40 brown trout, and 25 tiger trout (a cross between a female brown trout and a male brook trout) into the pond.

 

“Every year I look forward to this fun and educational event releasing trout into Jamaica Pond with local students,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By actively participating in fish stocking events, many kids will become future stewards of our natural resources, and will have a greater passion to get outside and enjoy nature as much as possible.”

 

“It’s important that we expose children early in their development to the wonders of the natural world in order to foster a love of the environment and a passion for conservation practices that protect wildlife and their habitats,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “In addition to stewardship programs, the Department of Fish and Game provides excellent opportunities for people of all ages and experience to participate in free fishing clinics and family fishing festivals run by MassWildlife throughout the Commonwealth.”

 

Statewide this spring, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) stocking program, which is supported by revenue from fishing licenses and the purchase of fishing equipment, is releasing almost 500,000 brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout raised at state hatcheries in the City of Palmer, and the Towns of Belchertown, Montague, Sandwich, and Sunderland. The fish stocked at Jamaica Pond today came from the hatcheries in Belchertown and Sandwich.

 

“By purchasing a fishing license, anglers fund state wildlife conservation programs that directly benefit all of Massachusetts,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Ron Amidon. “When children and their families go fishing, funds collected significantly contribute to wildlife conservation efforts and the economy while simultaneously teaching youth about wildlife and our environment.”

 

Jamaica Pond is a 65-acre, 50-foot-deep pond, the largest body of freshwater in the City of Boston. In addition to stocked trout, the pond supports other fish such as largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, and bluegill. Fishing for trout is most popular during the spring. The pond and park area are managed by the City of Boston’s Parks and Recreation Department. For more information about freshwater fishing, please visit the MassWildlife Fresh Water Fishing webpage. Additionally, during the trout stocking season, MassWildlife publishes daily trout stocking updates detailing where fish were stocked in various ponds, lakes, and rivers around the Commonwealth.

Baker-Polito Administration Joins UMass Amherst to Celebrate Clean Energy Projects

 Baker-Polito Administration Joins UMass Amherst

to Celebrate Clean Energy Projects

 

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides, and Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Patrick Woodcock joined with University of Massachusetts (UMass) President Marty Meehan and UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy for a ribbon cutting at a recently completed solar canopy and battery storage system, as well as to highlight clean energy projects at the campus. To support the project, the 4-megawatt solar canopy and battery storage system was awarded a $1.1 million grant from DOER through its Leading by Example Program. This project follows an additional $1.1 million grant previously awarded to UMass Amherst through MassCEC’s Advancing Commonwealth Energy Storage (ACES) for the installation of a 1-megawatt lithium ion battery storage unit, which supports the campus to effectively use the renewable energy generated on campus while also providing resiliency and peak demand management.

 

“Massachusetts continues to make great strides in advancing clean energy solutions through the installation of innovative technologies like these here at UMass that will further our efforts in achieving the state’s climate goals,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Supporting the clean energy industry today is more important than ever, which is why we were proud to propose the FORWARD Act to provide $750 million in investments to the sector and assist in the advancement of innovation, research, and technology.”

 

“By utilizing strategic partnerships between state agencies and institutions like UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth is able to greatly expand on its collective efforts in reaching net zero by 2050,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “UMass Amherst’s solar canopy and battery storage system projects will reduce the University’s carbon footprint while also simultaneously providing an opportunity to display these climate solutions in an educational environment.”

 

This UMass Amherst solar canopy and battery storage project will generate approximately 4,548,712 kWh of electricity per year. With the assistance of the Leading by Example grant, the solar canopy is estimated to provide UMass Amherst with over $341,000 in average annual benefits; over twenty years, the University will receive an estimated $6.8 million in project benefits from the combination of reduced energy costs and revenue generation. Besides adding to the over 28 MW of solar PV currently installed at state facilities, the installation includes two new electric vehicle charging stations with pre-wiring for eight more.  

 

“Climate action is about good planning, strong partnerships, balanced policy and deploying innovative solutions that can be replicated throughout all 351 of our cities and towns,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “The solar canopy and battery storage system at UMass Amherst is a terrific example of a state institution piloting a climate solution that will help to reduce emissions, save money and create clean energy jobs right here in Massachusetts.”

 

“We are deeply grateful to the commitment of the Baker-Polito administration for their investment in our clean energy technologies,” said UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy. “These state-funded initiatives play a critical role as we move to fully convert campus operations to renewable energy. We will continue to do all we can to partner with the commonwealth as it works to achieve net zero carbon emissions.”

 

Today’s event also highlighted the installation of an energy storage unit completed in 2019, which received funding through MassCEC’s ACES Program. The energy storage project features a 1MW lithium ion battery located adjacent to the UMass Amherst Central Heating Plant. The battery supports the campus to effectively use the renewable energy generated onsite while also providing resiliency and peak demand management.

 

“The Leading by Example Program at DOER continues to support innovative clean energy and energy efficiency projects for state facilities like the solar canopy and battery storage installation at UMass Amherst,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Patrick Woodcock. “This project showcases the types of partnership needed to reach the Commonwealth’s ambitious greenhouse gas reductions throughout our state facilities and our broader economy.”

 

“Energy storage is a crucial component of our clean energy transition. Programs like ACES helped to catalyze the energy storage market in Massachusetts by demonstrating the economic and reliability benefits of large-scale battery storage systems,” said MassCEC CEO Jennifer Daloisio. “Partnerships like this one with UMass Amherst provide us with models that can be replicated statewide to achieve our ambitious climate goals.”

 

DOER’s Leading by Example Program works collaboratively with state agencies and public colleges and universities to advance clean energy and sustainable practices that reduce the environmental impacts of state government operations. The agency’s Leading by Example Clean Energy Solar Grant Program for state entities has helped to increase the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at state facilities, particularly solar canopies and innovative solar technologies, by ensuring that these projects are cost-effective. Since 2014, $7,395,780 in LBE solar grants have supported the installation of 19 MW of solar at state facilities, leading to an estimated $40 million in electricity cost savings over 20 years. These projects are expected to generate approximately 21.8 million kWh of clean energy annually, equivalent to the electricity use of 2,808 Massachusetts homes. Through the grant program requirements, over 100 electric vehicle charging ports have also been installed. The program is funded by alternative compliance payments.

 

Additionally, in April 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration signed Executive Order No. 594, which sets goals and requirements that will accelerate the decarbonization of fuels used to heat and cool state facilities, help to demonstrate new technologies and strategies necessary to meet the Commonwealth’s energy goals, and quicken the shift to electric heating and vehicles. By leading by example in these and other areas, state government can help guide the Commonwealth toward a cleaner future. As part of Leading by Example efforts, state entities have collectively reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 35%, reduced heating oil use by 85%, eliminating more than 22 million gallons of fuel oil, and reduced energy use per square foot by 14% from a 2004 baseline. As of March 2022, state entities have installed 288 electric vehicle charging stations, deployed more than 29 MW of solar PV, created 42 new pollinator-friendly habitats, and constructed 95 LEED Certified buildings, two-thirds of which achieved a Gold or Platinum rating. For more information on LBE, please visit the LBE website.

 

The Baker-Polito Administration continues to advance legislation that will further support the Clean Energy Industry sector. Last week, Governor Baker filed “An Act Investing in Future Opportunities for Resiliency, Workforce, and Revitalized Downtowns (FORWARD), which includes $1.2 billion in ARPA funds for climate resiliency and preservation efforts. The FORWARD Act includes a $750 million investment in the Commonwealth’s clean energy industry, building on Governor Baker’s October 2021 proposal, which makes funds available to support innovation, research and development, and job training in the clean energy sector.

紐英崙中華公所宣佈3喜訊 夜間減價停車，一樓免費上網，社會福利諮詢

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝。(檔案照片)

                (Boston Orange) 紐英崙中華公所新主席雷國輝上任後，從服務社區著手，逐步推動改革，4月26日晚8點以電郵發出他上任以來的第一份中英雙語簡訊，公佈3項喜訊。

                  第一項是和社區分享中華公所停車場資源，公告週知，任何人在每週一至週五的下午5點以後，參加中華公所大樓內的活動，都可在中華公所停車場內停車，每車收費5元，車輛可以停泊至晚上10點，但辦理停車手續最遲到晚上8點。停車位以先到先得方式提供。

                第二項是目前中華公所大樓的一樓，已全層可免費上網，需要上網的民眾，在中華公所對外開放時段內，都可到中華公所內使用。

                 第三項為5月開始，中華公所將為社區大眾免費提供社會福利諮詢服務，有關糧食券、公屋、包括耆英及幼兒緊急援助等的聯邦及州政府福利，以及燃料補貼，電費，減價電話，電腦網絡服務，以及生命熱線等的水電設施補助，醫療保險方面提供醫療護理，醫療補助，以及奧巴馬醫療保險等相關內容，都有專人在每週二，四這2天的上午9點至下午1點之間提供諮詢解答，或協助申請。社區大眾有意使用這社會福利諮詢者，目前必須事先預約，預約電話為617-542-2574。

          以下為中華公所中英文簡訊全文:

2022.04.25 CCBA News  紐英崙中華公所簡訊

1)  1. 每週一至週五下午五時後在中華公所大樓內參加活動者, 可在本樓的停車埸停泊車輛, 每車收費 $5元, 不得轉讓. 時間只限下午五時至十時. 車位有限, 先到先得.

請注意: 泊車手續在中華公所辦公室辦理. 辦公時間至晚上八點.

2)  2.  中華公所一樓全層已經可以免費上網.

3) 3.  2022年5月開始, 中華公所向僑胞大眾提供免費社會福利咨詢服務. 內容包括協助申請糧食券, 公屋, 耆英及幼兒緊急緩助, 燃料補貼, 醫療咭, 辦理護照, 減費電話及電腦網絡服務, 生命熱線等及其他項目.

       專人服務時間為每星期二及星期四, 上午九時至下午一時. 必須預約.

       預約電話: 617 542 2574

1)    1) For the participants who are engaging the activities in the CCBA building, they can park the cars at the CCBA parking lot for $5 flat rate from 5 pm to 10 pm during weekday evenings after 5:00 pm. It is based on first come first serve policy due to the limited number of spaces. Please be aware that the CCBA office, which will collect the parking fee, will be closed at 8:00 pm on weekdays.

      2) The free wi-fi service for public use is now available at the first floor of the CCBA building.

3)   3) Starting from May,2022, CCBA will provide complementary paperwork advice and assistance to members of the Chinatown community for services such as the following:

 - SNAP: Assist with application & recertification.

 - Public Housing: Assist with hosing application & recertification (lease renewal).

 - Federal/State Benefit: Assist with application for Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled

  and Children (EAEDC), Social Security, SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social

  Security Disability Insurance).

 - Utilities: Assist with fuel assistance application, discount telephone/internet services, and

  Lifeline application.

 - Medical Insurance: Assist with Medicare, Medicaid & Obama Care (Affordable Care Act)

  applications.

 This program is available every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm by appointment only, please contact the CCBA office by Phone: (617) 542-2574.

波士頓市長吳弭擬撥款一億零六百萬元擴大居民購屋機會

MAYOR WU PROPOSES $106 MILLION IN INVESTMENTS IN HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAMS FOR BOSTON RESIDENTS  Proposed investments in homeownership are part of an unprecedented commitment of $380 million to address housing affordability and stability

 

BOSTON - Tuesday, April 26, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today highlighted her proposal to invest $106 million to expand opportunities for homeownership for Boston residents, including $60 million through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and $46 million in City funds over three years. This proposal builds on Mayor Wu’s commitment to prioritize federal funds to address Boston’s housing crisis and boosts the City’s efforts to close the racial wealth gap by expanding affordable homeownership opportunities for BIPOC households and first-generation homebuyers. “Homeownership is crucial to building generational wealth and long term stability for families,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We have an opportunity to transform what homeownership looks like in Boston. These investments will support existing programs for first time homebuyers, build generational wealth for Boston families, and help bring Boston one step closer to becoming a Green New Deal city.” The new investments in affordable homeownership were part of Mayor Wu’s first operating budget proposal and federal spending plan, which were formally filed with the Boston City Council earlier this month. The proposal includes $60 million in ARPA funds to: ·       Accelerate the production of affordable homeownership units supported by the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH) ·       Support down payment assistance programs, including for first-generation buyers ·       Expand the ONE+Boston Mortgage program, which lowers interest rates for income-eligible buyers  In addition, the proposed FY23 Operating Budget includes $3.4 million for homebuyer assistance programs, for a total of $10.2 million over the next three years. These investments are on top of $36 million from other City sources to support MOH’s homeownership development pipeline, which currently includes 312 new income-restricted units across 19 developments, all projected to break ground within the next three years. With additional support from ARPA funds, this pipeline of affordable homeownership units is expected to grow significantly. Together, these funds represent a significant increase in the City’s investment in affordable homeownership programs and production compared to previous years. The proposed investments in homeownership are part of an unprecedented commitment of $380 million to address housing affordability and stability through the Operating budget, the Capital budget, and federal recovery funds to build and acquire new affordable units, upgrade public housing, and expand housing stability services and an expanded voucher program. “This significant investment will both increase the stock of affordable properties in Boston and assist families that want to purchase homes in a very competitive market,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing and Director of Neighborhood Development. “In order to increase generational wealth, stabilize our residents and invest in neighborhoods, it is critical that we make additional resources available for homeownership development and programs.” “We are thrilled that Mayor Wu and our city councilors understand the needs of thousands of MAHA members and graduates,” said Symone Crawford, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance. “And I’m proud of our MAHA community leaders who have worked so diligently to make this happen. This is an amazing accomplishment and a strong foundation for all of us to build on.” “Investment in affordable housing at all levels matters if we are to foster generational wealth,” said Beverly Williams, Executive Team Leader with the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization. “GBIO is proud to celebrate this historic investment in affordable housing that does just that.” Two programs slated to receive funding from the proposal, the ONE+Boston program and the financial assistance program for first-time homebuyers (FAP), assisted more than 150 households buy homes in the last year. Of those households, 60% were Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC).  “Dedicating these federal funds to first-generation and affordable homeownership will anchor our families in Boston and help close the racial wealth gap,” said Councilor Kenzie Bok, Chair of the Committee on COVID-19 Recovery. “I’m thankful for the Mayor’s partnership and for all the advocates who have pushed the City of Boston to make this enduring commitment.” "We know that the lack of financial capital for closing costs and down payments is one of the most significant barriers to homeownership for BIPOC and first-generation homeowners,” said Councilor Kendra Lara, Chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development. “This level of investment in the FAP and ONE+ program will ensure that we're removing those barriers and creating more opportunities for housing stability through homeownership for Boston residents."  Boston has an overall homeownership rate of 35 percent, considerably less than the statewide homeownership rate of 62 percent. Homeownership rates differ significantly by race and ethnicity, as 44 percent of Boston’s white households are homeowners, compared to 31 percent of Black or African American households, 30 percent of Asian or Pacific Islander households, and 17 percent of Hispanic or Latinx households. The Mayor’s Office of Housing works to expand access to homeownership by creating and preserving affordable homeownership units and providing financial assistance to aspiring homebuyers, particularly first-generation homebuyers. The ONE+Boston program was designed to supplement one of the state’s existing affordable mortgage programs (the ONE Mortgage) by providing qualified buyers, based on area median income (AMI), additional discounts on interest rates. With the ONE+Boston program, qualified Boston residents who earn between 80% and 100% AMI will receive a half percent (0.5%) discount rate off the reduced interest rate offered through the ONE Mortgage product (currently about 4.65%). Boston residents who earn below 80% AMI will receive up to one percent (1%) off of the current ONE Mortgage rate. Qualified buyers will also be eligible for downpayment and closing cost assistance through the Boston Home Center. The ONE+Boston program and the First Generation Homebuyer Program are two of several City resources available to first-time homebuyers in Boston. Through the Boston Home Center, the City’s one-stop-shop for homebuyers and homeowners, residents receive assistance in purchasing, improving, and keeping their home through a suite of resources including training, financial help and counseling to first-time and first-generation homebuyers, guidance and funding for home improvements and efficiency upgrades, and counseling to help families avoid foreclosure. The Home Center also markets homes developed for income-eligible, first-time homebuyers. These proposals build on Mayor Wu’s initiatives to address Boston’s housing affordability, including filing a Home Rule Petition relative to real estate transfer fees and senior property tax relief, signing an Executive Order relative to affirmatively furthering fair housing, convening a Rent Stabilization Advisory Committee to inform future legislative proposals, and announcing the City’s new Chief of Planning. For more information about the proposed budget, visit budget.boston.gov. For more information about the proposed ARPA spending plan, visit boston.gov/recover