Planning for Housing Production Grant Program
Application Open: The Planning for Housing Production application is now open, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. View more information and apply.
NOTE: The application does not allow you to save your progress and come back at a later time. View a full list of application questions.
MassHousing's Planning for Housing Production Program provides cities and towns with the technical capacity needed to implement local planning and transform priority development sites into new affordable homes.
The Program assists municipalities in capitalizing on zoning changes for equitable, transit-oriented multifamily development; and progressing toward, achieving and exceeding Chapter 40B's 10 percent affordable housing goal. In disproportionately impacted communities, the program unlocks new opportunities for affordable homeownership development.
For more information, please contact Monica Passeno, Municipal Technical Assistance Manager.
Information Session
An information session was held for prospective applicants on March 15, 2023.
Program Overview
MassHousing will fund pre-development activities on priority housing development sites by contracting directly with third-party consultants, then matching consultants with municipalities based on their respective expertise and local needs. The program prioritizes the reuse and redevelopment of municipally owned properties; exceptionally positioned privately owned sites may also be eligible for funding.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; you can apply here.
For more information, please review the Program Guidelines.
Eligibility
Rental housing development: Preference will be given to municipalities for projects that create new affordable rental housing that results in progress towards meeting or exceeding local housing needs.
Homeownership development: MassHousing will support the creation of new affordable homeownership opportunities in municipalities that were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of the municipality's SHI percentage. The Commonwealth's disproportionately impacted communities are the 26 Gateway Cities, Boston, Framingham and Randolph.
Applicants should have already completed or be in the process of completing a locally driven housing planning process, including but not limited to a comprehensive master plan, a DHCD-approved Housing Production Plan, or a housing visioning process.
Communities that currently have multifamily housing development moratoria are not eligible to apply.
Municipalities may partner with non-municipal entities, including regional planning agencies, on grant proposals. The municipality must be the lead applicant.
Planning for Housing Production Success Stories
Hudson
Due to downtown revitalization, the Town of Hudson has an increased demand for housing. The Town identified surplus municipal land for redevelopment as affordable housing. MassHousing's consultant met with town officials, interviewed stakeholders and ran test-fit scenarios to maximize the development opportunity. MassHousing's consultant worked with the Town to develop an RFP. The Town designated a developer through the RFP process and the developer received its comprehensive permit from the Town. The development was awarded LIHTC and anticipates construction starting in 2023.
Wareham
The Town of Wareham has a need for year-round rental and homeownership opportunities and identified a municipally owned parcel for development as mixed-income or age-restricted housing. MassHousing's consultant worked with the Town to produce an RFP for the parcel. MassHousing assisted in advertising the RFP and MassHousing's consultant participated in evaluating proposals. The Town designated a developer through the RFP process and the developer received its comprehensive permit from the Town. The development was awarded LIHTC and has a commitment for funding from MassHousing.
Oak Bluffs
The Town of Oak Bluffs has a need for affordable year-round rental and homeownership opportunities. The Town requested assistance from MassHousing in conducting predevelopment feasibility work on a large parcel of town-owned land, including wastewater planning, financial feasibility, a zoning review and preliminary site engineering. MassHousing's consultant worked with the Town to create an RFP that took into account infrastructure limitations and the possibility of a future land swap to increase the acreage of the site. The Town designated a developer through the RFP process and the developer is working with the Town and Martha's Vineyard Commission on the design of the project. The developer anticipates construction to start in the fall of 2023.