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HD 6145

An Act relative to Affordable Housing Trust Fund of the town of West Tisbury

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Thomas Moakley

West Tisbury would establish and fund an Affordable Housing Trust Fund to develop, preserve, and maintain affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents.

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Bill Summary · HD 6145

Summary of Bill: HD 6145 (194th MA Legislature) – An Act relative to Affordable Housing Trust Fund of the town of West Tisbury

Purpose and intent

  • The bill establishes, strengthens, or clarifies mechanisms for an Affordable Housing Trust Fund specifically for the town of West Tisbury.
  • Its overarching goal is to support the development, preservation, and maintenance of affordable housing within the town, leveraging dedicated funding to increase housing options for low- and moderate-income residents and preserve the town’s housing stock.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation or designation of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund for West Tisbury, including the source and use of funds.
  • Authorization for the town to collect or allocate funds (such as local surcharge revenue, fees, assessments, grants, or state/local subsidies) to support affordable housing initiatives.
  • Guidelines for eligible uses of trust fund monies, which typically may include:
    • Acquisition of land or property for affordable housing development
    • Funding for repairs, maintenance, and rehabilitation of existing affordable units
    • Subsidies or gap-financing for new affordable housing projects
    • Support for preservation of deed-restricted affordable units
  • Administrative structure detailing how the fund will be managed, including:
    • Governance (board or designated official responsibilities)
    • Reporting and auditing requirements
    • Annual budgeting and appropriations process
  • Compliance elements to ensure funds are used in ways that promote affordability, such as income targeting, unit affordability periods, and linkage to town housing plans.
  • Any sunset provisions, repeal triggers, or renewal requirements, if included, outlining how long the fund or provisions remain in effect and under what conditions they’re reevaluated.

Who would be affected

  • The town of West Tisbury, including its Housing Authority or equivalent housing governance bodies, finance committee, and town meeting/vote-required budget processes.
  • Residents of West Tisbury, particularly households with low or moderate incomes seeking affordable rental or ownership opportunities.
  • Local developers and non-profit housing organizations partnering with the town on affordable housing projects.
  • Potential beneficiaries of trust fund programs (e.g., first-time homebuyers, renters facing housing cost burdens, senior or disabled residents needing affordable units).

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • The bill sets forth the statutory framework the town must follow to establish and administer the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
  • It may require town meeting approval or appropriation actions to fund the trust and authorize expenditures.
  • Administrative deadlines or reporting periods (e.g., annual reports to the town and state housing authorities) may be specified to ensure transparency and accountability.
  • The act would become effective upon passage, with phased implementation as determined by the town’s governing documents and relevant state guidance.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Enhanced local control over affordable housing resources and decision-making specific to West Tisbury.
  • Increased capacity to fund and sustain affordable housing developments and preservation efforts within the town.
  • Improved ability to meet state and local affordable housing goals and compliance requirements.
  • The effectiveness depends on funding levels, governance quality, and coordination with regional housing strategies and state programs.

Note: This summary is based on the bill title and sponsor information. For precise statutory language, allocations, eligible activities, and governance details, please refer to the official text of HD 6145 and accompanying fiscal notes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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