Regional nonprofit housing organizations already play an active role in preserving housing for low- and moderate-income families.   Municipalities have also played a part in housing rehabilitation programs for owner-occupied and investor-owned, single to multi-family housing (1 to 4 units).  Historically the HOME Investment Partnership Program, known as HOME, and the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) funds have been used to preserve and stabilize thousands of units for low- and moderate-income families.  As HOME and CDBG funding becomes more limited for this use, Community Preservation Act funds and Affordable Housing Trust Funds are becoming other sources for funding these programs.  

A more permanent funding mechanism and regional administrative body is needed to administer and oversee housing rehabilitation of owner-occupied and investor-owned 1-4 family housing rehabilitation.  The program would need the support of a lead municipality or lead regional organization to oversee all housing rehabilitation activities and ensure that, at a minimum, Section 8 Housing Quality Standards were being achieved.  Additionally, housing rehabilitation specialists would be needed in force to assess housing stock, determine code improvements, and provide cost estimates.  Home improvement contractors would also be needed to support this effort.  Local building inspectors should also be brought into the development and expansion of this program.

23.a     MAPC and allied organizations, including the Department of Housing and Community Development should study ways to improve housing rehabilitation program administration and delivery, identify best practices, and seek funding resources to support these efforts.

23.b    MAPC, HUD, and allied organization should develop a proposal for regional service delivery of housing rehabilitation programs

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