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.

Strategies for Distressed Properties & Neighborhoods

Cities and towns throughout Massachusetts are being challenged by rising foreclosures and abandoned properties. To combat this, MHP has put together a web page to help municipalities develop strategies to deal with foreclosure and abandoned properties. Click here for details.

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.

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Guidebook

MHP produced a guidebook for municipalities interested in created an Affordable Housing Trust in their community. Click here to view the MAHT guidebook.

Receivership

In partnership with the MA Attorney General's Office, MHP produced a receivership guidebook to help municipalities learn about resources available to stabilize abandoned and foreclosed properties. Click here to view the MHP/AGO Receivership guidebook.

Community Preservation Act Guidebook

This guidebook was created to help cities and towns learn how CPA funds can be used to support local housing efforts. Click here to view the CPA guidebook.

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

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

For more information about MHP, please email MHP or call 617-330-9944.