Bill > S963

This bill allows municipalities with populations between 65,000 and 150,000 residents to implement a local preference policy for affordable housing, specifically permitting these cities and towns to reserve up to 70% of vacancies in affordable housing units for current residents of their municipality. The local preference would apply to both privately assisted housing and housing subject to inclusionary zoning requirements (which are local laws that require developers to include a certain percentage of affordable housing units in new residential developments). The bill directs the secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to create regulations to implement this policy, with a requirement that these regulations must be established within 60 days of the bill's passage. The local preference can be applied for a minimum of 30 years from the date of tenancy creation, giving municipalities a long-term tool to prioritize housing for their current residents. This approach aims to provide local communities with more control over allocating affordable housing units while still ensuring a significant portion of units remain available to a broader pool of potential residents.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S963