Housing Production Plan

What is a Housing Production Plan?

In Massachusetts, a Housing Production Plan (HPP) is a plan that helps a community better understand local housing needs and demand, development constraints and opportunities and a vision for future affordable housing. The HPP is a proactive strategy that focuses on developing and preserving homes that meet the requirements of the state's affordable housing law, commonly known as Chapter 40B.

An HPP is approved by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) for a five-year period and includes:

• Data: an assessment of housing needs and demand based on current data, population and development trends and regional growth factors.
• Limitations: an analysis of physical and regulatory development constraints.
• Goals: housing goals, including an annual numeric housing production target.
• Strategies: implementation strategies to work towards goals.

The City of Worcester's HPP is possible through an FY2023 Housing Choice Grant Program award. It is part of Worcester's commitment to plan for and foster the production of housing that meets the needs of current and future residents. In addition, the consultant team drafting the HPP will also provide advisory support in developing an action plan for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees.

What is the Anticipated HPP Timeline?

Phase I: Comprehensive Needs Assessment - May 2024 - July 2024

Phase II: Community Engagement - July 2024 - September 2024

Phase III: Draft Plan - August 2024 - October 2024

Phase IV: Final Plan - November 2024 - February 2025
Including Planning Board and City Council Approval & Submission to EOHLC

Housing Trust Action Plan - September 2024 - February 2025

Housing Thresholds Under Massachusetts' Chapter 40B

Housing Production Plans create a strategy for municipalities to meet their affordable housing needs consistent with the Chapter 40B statute and regulation. While the City of Worcester currently exceeds the state's goal that 10 percent of year-round housing stock be considered subsidized housing - otherwise known as the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) threshold - the HPP will be tailored to the City's needs to promote policies that further housing stability, supply and subsidy.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has More Information on Housing Production Plans.