ROCKPORT — Advocates for affordable housing on Cape Ann and statewide are sending out a clarion call to lawmakers, urging them to back the state’s Affordable Homes Act, a $4 billion effort that seeks to support a wide array of housing projects across the state.
Seen as the centerpiece of Gov. Maura Healey’s effort to tackle rising housing prices in the state, the Affordable Homes Act, filed in 2023, includes $4 billion in capital spending authorizations and 28 “substantive” policy changes, three executive orders and two targeted tax credits.
The measure is the largest of its kind in state history, according to Rabbi Allen Lipson, organizer and development coordinator for the Essex County Community Organization (ECCO).
“But the real estate lobby is pushing hard against the key funding mechanism and state reps are wavering,” he said. “The bill will be voted on in the next couple of weeks. So, we are organizing to save it before it’s too late.”
ECCO has organized a meeting with regional lawmakers to try and convince them to back the bill which seeks to increase the amount of money available for affordable housing, reduce barriers to the production and preservation of housing, and give communities the tools to develop more housing where they need it, according to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
“We have an urgent opportunity to save funding for hundreds of millions of dollars in housing across the state,” Lipson said.
The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Rockport Public Library, 17 School St. in Rockport.
Event organizers said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, and Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester, will attend.
“We’ll be asking for their support for key provisions of the bill currently under attack,” Lipson said. “Non-Cape Ann residents are also welcome since this issue impacts everyone in the state.”
Those interested in more information or attending may contact Lipson at allen@eccoaction.org.
Stephen Hagan can be reached at 978-675-2708 or at shagan@northofboston.com.