The Worcester Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) was established in 2021 by a City ordinance to help address affordable housing needs in the community. The pandemic highlighted the challenge of housing quality and instability, and community input underscored affordable housing as a critical, urgent need. As a result, $28,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding was dedicated to housing. Of this amount, $15,000,000 was allocated to the AHTF.
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Profile
TBD
Date/Time of Next Meeting: TBA
To provide for the creation and preservation of affordable homeownership and rental housing that meets the needs of low and moderate income residents.
The goal for the distribution of AHTF funds is to promote and finance the development of affordable rental and first-time homeownership housing consistent with the City of Worcester's Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing. The City of Worcester seeks development projects with a high standard of quality, design and livability. In addition, developments should promote efficient land use and locations proximate to shopping, workplaces and medical and community facilities.
The AHTF Request for Development Proposal (RFP) is open on a rolling basis until all funding available has been committed.
An eligible project must be a property developed through either new construction or substantial rehabilitation for the purpose of creating new affordable rental or homeownership housing units. New affordable housing units include:
The AHTF requires that a minimum of ten percent (10%) of total project units (no less than one unit) and 100% of the common areas are fully wheelchair accessible as defined by the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards.
$150,000 per affordable housing unit developed. Grant will provide up to 25% of total development cost, or up to $150,000 per unit, whichever is less.
Up to $25,000 per eligible unit for units restricted to 30% or less of area median income and/or ADA units over the minimum required 10% threshold. Bonus funding awarded to a project will not be factored into the maximum grant available for said project (i.e., the percentage of total development cost calculation).
All funded projects must be started by December 31, 2024, and completed with occupancy by September 30, 2026.
Funding must be used for direct hard or soft costs related to the project. All funding is on a reimbursement basis. Funding may not be used for items prior to funding commitment.
The City of Worcester is now accepting applications for the AHTF. A complete application must be submitted to the Housing Development Division at least two weeks before a scheduled meeting of the AHTF Board of Trustees to be considered. If you have any questions regarding the trust fund, please contact:
Jeanette Tozer, Affordable Housing Trust Fund Manager
tozerj@worcesterma.gov
508-799-1400 ext. 31438
On June 3, 2016 Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed An Act to Improve Public Records into law. Many of the provisions in the law took effect on January 1, 2017.
Economic Development
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455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: 508-799-1400
Fax: 508-799-1406
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