Housing (Historic Preservation) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

HD 6127: The annual report from the Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities (under Section 6M(c)(8) of Chapter 62 and Section 38EE(c)(8) of Chapter 63 of the General Laws) submitting the Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) annual report for calendar year 2025.

This bill requires the Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities to submit an annual report detailing the Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) program for calendar year 2025. The document will outline how the program, which allocates up to $15 million in funding, supports housing projects such as the historic Gay Head Church Parsonage in Aquinnah. By placing the report on file, the legislation ensures public access to information about the tax credit's distribution and impact on community housing initiatives.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Historic Preservation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 134: An Act relative to reducing damage caused by the current foreclosure crisis in the historic districts of Massachusetts

This bill creates Historic District Stabilization Committees in Massachusetts communities facing foreclosure crises in designated historic areas. The committees, formed by local organizations, can acquire properties through eminent domain at fair market value to prevent vacant/vandalized homes. They must conduct market studies to establish a Community Appraisal Framework, manage occupied properties through homeowner counseling, and restore vacant properties to meet federal rehabilitation standards. These committees will also market acquired properties using the established framework to stabilize neighborhood values. The bill directly affects historic districts with high foreclosure rates, aiming to protect community investments without harming legitimate financial interests.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Historic Preservation Homeownership Mortgages

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 213: An Act to protect open space, historical resources, and community housing from coastal threats

This bill amends Massachusetts law to redefine "preservation" as protecting personal or real property from coastal threats like flooding, sea-level rise, and storm surge. It specifically includes measures such as building or repairing beaches, dunes, and seawalls to safeguard open spaces, historical sites, and community housing. The law change directly affects coastal communities by enabling these protective infrastructure projects under the "preservation" framework. This update modifies existing Chapter 44B definitions without creating new programs or funding.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Historic Preservation

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1575: An Act relative to reducing damage caused by the current foreclosure crisis in the historic districts of Massachusetts

By Representative Williams of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1575) of Bud L. Williams relative to reducing damage caused by the current foreclosure crisis in the historic districts of the Commonwealth. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Historic Preservation Mortgages

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1881: An Act relative to incentivizing multi-family housing through redevelopment

This bill creates a program to incentivize multi-family housing redevelopment in rural areas. It allows the Department of Housing and Community Development to certify projects that substantially rehabilitate existing properties (not new construction) to include at least 80% market-rate units, provided they're located in designated rural areas. Municipalities must apply to have areas designated as rural, and projects must demonstrate alignment with local plans and potential to boost residential growth. The department must review certification applications within 90 days, with automatic 20-year approval if they fail to act.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Historic Preservation Tags Rural Communities

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2869: An Act relative to PILOT agreements on replaced public housing

This bill exempts replacement public housing units from property taxes and special assessments, directly affecting housing authorities and private entities developing new public housing. It requires these entities to pay "payments in lieu of taxes" (PILOT) for the exempt portion, calculated using a formula based on the ratio of replacement unit square footage to total building square footage. The exemption applies only to the specific replacement units and associated common areas, with the PILOT amount determined by the same valuation method used for the housing authority's other properties in the city or town.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Property Taxes

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 3094: An Act relative to incentivizing multi-family housing through redevelopment

By Representative Flanagan of Dennis, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3094) of Christopher Richard Flanagan for legislation to provide tax credits for certain certified rural housing redevelopment projects. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Community Development Historic Preservation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 484: An Act improving municipal access to general existing housing data

This bill requires the state executive office to create a centralized, machine-readable database containing standardized data about subsidized housing developments across Massachusetts. It mandates reporting of specific details for both new and existing subsidized housing, including the number of income-restricted units (broken down by income levels: 80%, 50%, and 30% of area median income), unit features, location addresses, and the duration of income restrictions. Municipalities, state agencies, and regional public entities will gain direct access to this data for planning and oversight. The database must be updated annually to ensure current information is available, without altering existing housing policies or funding.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Zoning

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1653: An Act to ensure fair taxation of affordable housing

This bill amends property tax assessment rules to require local assessors to consider recorded restrictions on a property's use when determining its fair cash value for taxation. It specifically affects affordable housing properties that have legal limits on rent or sale prices documented in their deeds. The key change mandates that assessors factor these restrictions into valuation calculations, rather than treating all properties equally under current rules. This adjustment aims to ensure affordable housing is taxed based on its actual restricted use, potentially lowering tax burdens for qualifying properties.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Tax Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Property Taxes

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3937: An Act relative to local preference in affordable housing

This bill allows Massachusetts cities with 65,000-150,000 residents to prioritize up to 70% of local residents (those currently living within the city limits) for affordable housing units. It applies to all privately assisted housing and housing subject to inclusionary zoning requirements listed on a municipality's housing inventory. The preference must last for at least 30 years from when a tenant moves in, and the regulations creating this rule must take effect within 60 days of the bill's passage. The policy directly affects these mid-sized cities and their affordable housing residents, aiming to increase local access to housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Tenant Rights

All housing bills