Description

NAIOP is proud to host a public briefing on Housing Choice following the legislation’s enactment earlier this year. Join us for this special preview with keynote speaker, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy, as he overviews the critical components of Housing Choice and the long road of advocacy that led to passage. Then, hear from the Secretary’s team at the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and learn how the legislation will be implemented, what guidance will be available, and what Housing Choice means for real estate development in Massachusetts.

The passage and enactment of Housing Choice has broad reaching implications for commercial real estate across Massachusetts. Focused on increasing housing production in the middle of a housing crisis, and passed as part of a critical economic relief package in the final hours of the 2019/2020 Legislative Session, the language allows municipalities that want to rezone for denser, transit or downtown oriented, and new housing development to do so more easily. The final language also requires MBTA communities to have a zoning ordinance or bylaw that allows for at least 1 multi-family by right district. The Baker-Polito Administration is now charged with the development of guidance and best practices for municipalities who wish to use the legislation as a tool to promote responsible housing growth and development in their communities.

Attendees will learn the crucial points of these significant zoning changes, have the opportunity to ask questions about implementation, and come away with a greater understanding of how Housing Choice can be used to benefit development projects across the Commonwealth.

Keynote Speaker:
Secretary Mike Kennealy, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development

Moderator:
Greg Sampson, Partner, Brown Rudnick

Presenter:
Chris Kluchman, Deputy Director, Community Services Division, Department of Housing and Community Development