Fair housing refers to the protection of people’s rights to equal housing opportunity wherever they choose to seek housing as long as they can afford it.  A Regional Fair Housing Compact program can challenge housing discrimination and help to ensure equitable distribution of housing opportunities in the region.   Such a Compact would be based on the regional housing goals and objectives of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment; and would include local production targets developed collaboratively by MAPC and individual cities and towns.  It would also incorporate non-discrimination mandates of federal and state laws.  The Regional Housing Advisory Committee (Recommendation #3A3) would steward the Compact and assess compliance with fair housing issues, regional needs, and social equity.  Similar programs have been established in other states including Connecticut, California, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.  

The Regional Fair Housing Compact program will specifically resolve the following issues which may arise from the Regional Housing Needs Assessment process: target and eliminate discriminatory practices by public and private sector parties; create a diverse range of housing types; provide sufficient and ensure affordable housing opportunities are available to all; ensure employment opportunities are available in proximity to a range of housing opportunities; address the current and future need for affordable housing in the region; and, minimize concentrations of poverty.

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits denying anyone housing based on their race, color, sex, national origin, religion, whether they have a physical or mental disability and the presence of children under 18 in households.  Under Massachusetts law it is also illegal to discriminate based on marital status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, ancestry, and public assistance, housing subsidies or rental assistance.  If over-55 or “senior” housing meets the standards set forth in the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995, then its senior designation is not discriminatory against families with children under the Federal Fair Housing Act.  Fair housing laws regulate the actions of property owners, landlords, lenders, realtors, neighbors, and appraisers; municipalities must also comply with fair housing laws.

17.a    MAPC, FHCGB, and allied organizations should develop a proposal and seek funding for a Regional Fair Housing Compact Program.

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