LWVMA 2008 Affordable Housing Approved  Position

Massachusetts League of Women Voters Position on Housing

Goal:  Access to decent housing and a suitable living environment affordable for all

The League supports programs, policies and regulations to address the housing needs of low- and moderate-income families and individuals, which should include:

• income eligibility requirements for the purchase and rental of subsidized affordable housing that are adjusted periodically to reflect current economic factors

• reasonable asset limitations for income-eligible households purchasing or renting subsidized affordable housing that take into consideration assets needed for retirement

• periodic review of income and asset limitations and eligibility requirements

• definitions of units eligible for inclusion on each community’s Subsidized Housing Inventory that allow for the counting of units that are priced to be affordable but would not be included under the state’s traditional definition of affordable housing; however, there should be legally binding agreements that require all such eligible units remain affordable long-term and restricted to income-eligible households

• restrictions on affordable rental and ownership housing units so that the units remain affordable in perpetuity

• streamlined permitting procedures for Smart Growth incentive programs that effectively encourage the use of Smart Growth principles, with funding sources that are consistent, reliable, and predictable