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Bill

HD 247

An Act to promote housing cooperatives

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carmine Gentile and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill promoting housing cooperatives through regulatory support and financial incentives to increase affordable homeownership alternatives.

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Bill Summary · HD 247

Legislative bill overview

HD 247 aims to establish regulatory frameworks and financial incentives to encourage the formation and expansion of housing cooperatives in Massachusetts. The bill likely includes provisions for tax benefits, streamlined incorporation procedures, and potentially state funding or loan guarantees to support cooperative housing development as an alternative to traditional rental and homeownership models.

Why is this important

Housing cooperatives offer residents shared ownership and democratic control over their living spaces, potentially reducing housing costs and increasing affordability in a state with severe housing shortages. As Massachusetts faces persistent affordability crises, particularly in Greater Boston, alternative housing models could provide middle and lower-income residents with pathways to stable, affordable housing while building community wealth.

Potential points of contention

  • Financing concerns: Questions about whether state resources should subsidize cooperative models versus direct affordable housing development, and whether cooperatives truly serve lower-income residents or primarily benefit middle-class participants
  • Market disruption: Opposition from traditional real estate interests, landlords, and property developers who may view cooperatives as competing with conventional housing markets and reducing their profit opportunities
  • Implementation complexity: Uncertainty about regulatory requirements, how the state will oversee cooperative governance, dispute resolution mechanisms, and whether existing real estate law adequately addresses cooperative structures

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

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