Municipalities

Over the years, MHP has produced publications to help communities with affordable housing efforts. The following are some of the most recent topics we've addressed. For all content available from MHP, go to Resources and Links.

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act

In 2005, Massachusetts passed a law that expanded the powers of a local housing trust fund so it can own and manage real estate, not just receive and disburse funds. Click here to read the law.

MHP’s new CPA guide has a section dedicated to municipal trusts. To learn about requirements, options, and how to create a trust in your community, click here and go to pages 39-43.

Building support: How Wayland reached voters

Here are examples of how Wayland residents convinced town meeting to support an affordable housing initiative on federal land that had been given over to the town.

Sample RFP - Hiring a real estate consultant

This RFP was written by the town of Westhampton to hire real estate development consultant services. It is designed to comply with Chapter 30B public procurement requirements. Municipalities need to designate a chief procurement officer in order to use the RFP format rather than a simple bid. For more information on Chapter 30B, visit the state office of the inspector general at www.state.ma.us/ig/igch30b.htm

MHP's Housing Needs Workbook (June, 2003)

The Housing Needs Workbook is designed to assist communities in assessing local housing needs for families, seniors, special needs populations, and owners and renters.