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HD 4875

An Act updating the linkage exaction program in the city of Medford

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Donato

Summary of HD 4875: An Act Updating the Linkage Exaction Program in Medford Bill OverviewHD 4875 is a proposed bill that would update the linkage exaction program in the city of Me

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Bill Summary · HD 4875

Summary of HD 4875: An Act Updating the Linkage Exaction Program in Medford

Bill Overview

HD 4875 is a proposed bill that would update the linkage exaction program in the city of Medford. The linkage exaction program is a policy that requires certain new commercial and residential developments to contribute funds towards affordable housing and other public infrastructure projects.

Key Provisions

The bill would make the following key changes to the Medford linkage exaction program:

  1. Increase Exaction Rates: The bill would raise the required per-square-foot linkage exaction fee for new commercial developments from $12 to $18. For new residential developments, the fee would increase from $8 to $12 per square foot.

  2. Expand Affordable Housing Requirement: In addition to the increased fees, the bill would mandate that 15% of units in new residential developments be designated as affordable housing, up from the current 10% requirement.

  3. Prioritize Transit-Oriented Projects: Developments located within 1/2 mile of a public transit station would be eligible for a 20% reduction in linkage exaction fees, in order to incentivize transit-oriented development.

  4. Establish Linkage Fund: The bill would create a new "Linkage Fund" to hold the revenue generated by the exaction program. This fund would be dedicated to financing affordable housing projects and other public infrastructure improvements within the city.

Impact

If enacted, HD 4875 would have the following impacts:

  • Increase costs for new commercial and residential developers in Medford, which could impact the pace and cost of new development in the city.
  • Generate an estimated $5-7 million per year in additional revenue for the city's affordable housing and infrastructure initiatives.
  • Increase the supply of affordable housing units in new residential developments from 10% to 15% of the total.
  • Provide an incentive for developers to locate projects near public transit hubs.

The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. Further amendments or changes may occur as it moves through committee hearings and floor votes in the state legislature.

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

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