July 06, 2020
Editor's note: This report was released in June 2020 following a survey conducted in May 2020. For an update list of communities, please see the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program Database.
A joint effort of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), and Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), this survey is intended to assist state, regional, and local governments and non-profit agencies better coordinate local ERA programs being developed in response to the COVID-19 health emergency.
The survey responses reflect data from May 2020 and users should note that these programs continue to evolve with the crisis. There are two documents:
- A report that summarizes the survey results and provides context to the purpose of the survey.
- The survey response database in Microsoft Excel format so users can sort through communities.
May 14, 2020
Following up on many questions raised during the April 22 webinar before 500 participants, MHP Senior Program Manager Shelly Goehring has compiled a comprehensive Q&A on how to use local funds to run an effective, short-term emergency rental assistance program.
The Q&A is the latest effort by MHP to respond to the many communities who have asked about using local funds for emergency rental assistance to help residents impacted by COVID-19. As soon as Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency, communities began asking MHP’s community assistance team about how to use local funds for emergency rental assistance (ERA).
Working with the Community Preservation Coalition and Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, Goehring published guidelines and then organized a virtual webinar on April 22. The webinar provided an opportunity for local leaders to hear panelists and ask questions about how to help residents impacted by COVID-19.
Time did not permit webinar panelists to answer all questions so Goehring has compiled a comprehensive Q&A that addresses many issues involved in using local funds to run effective short-term, emergency rental assistance programs.
The Q&A released today complements other ERA resources created by MHP during the COVID-19 state of emergency:
For more information, email Goehring at sgoehring@mhp.net.
April 01, 2020
As a follow up to the March 24, 2020 release of suggestions on using CPA funds for emergency rental assistance, MHP has completed additional guidance for communities and organizations on developing emergency rental assistance programs. This includes a comprehensive guide and checklist for municipal officials.
All additional questions regarding using CPA funds for emergency rental assistance should be directed to MHP's Shelly Goehring at sgoehring@mhp.net.
March 24, 2020
A list of important suggestions regarding use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for rental assistance during the COVID-19 crisis created by MHP.
January 17, 2020
A short worksheet intended to guide municipalities considering the adoption of Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) through the initial decisions making process.
For questions on the worksheet or on implementing IZ in your community, contact MHP's Katy Lacy at klacy@mhp.net
November 22, 2019
What do the experts think? The American Planning Association (APA) voted to adopt this Housing Policy Guide in April 2019. The guide helps planners identify emerging trends related to accessible housing for all and key policy positions that APA supports.
August 15, 2019
Watch a video from Urban Institute on how zoning impacts us all.
August 15, 2019
The 2019 Greater Boston Housing Report Card is a collaboration between The Boston Foundation, Northeastern University Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Planning, UMASS Donahue Institute, and MHP Center for Housing Data. The report looks at the state of housing in Greater Boston, specifically around supply and demand, production, segregation, and local control.
Visit the website for a concise summary of each chapter and to explore interactive maps and tables on community data.
August 15, 2019
Researcher Amy Dain reports on two years of research into the regulations, plans and permits in the 100 cities and towns surrounding Boston. The research was commissioned by the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance and funded collaboratively with: Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Association of Realtors, Massachusetts Housing Partnership, MassHousing, and Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
March 20, 2019
A list of 9 essential factors to think about when considering land for housing development.
