On Wednesday, the House engrossed House bill 4707, “An Act Relative to the Affordable Homes Act,” with a total of $6.2 billion in capital authorizations, $2.1 billion more than Governor Healey’s bill filed last October.

Included in the bill:

·       $2 billion in authorizations for public housingmodernization,renovation, remodeling, reconstruction, redevelopment, and hazardous material abatement - $500 million morethan the Healey bill.

·       $200 million for the Public Housing Mixed Income Demonstration Programto encourage housing authorities to pursue innovative, market-driven strategies and leverage private resources - $100 million morethan the Healey bill.

·       Policy initiatives and statutory changes included in outside sections–

• Authority to borrow against capital fundingawards
• Expansion of RCATs
• Biennial AUPs
• Tenant protections during redevelopment
• Update to Mass. Architectural Access Board threshold triggering full accessibility

The bill now goes to the Senate. Please thank your Representatives for their support and quick passage of this historic bill!