BNCLT Lobbies for Supportive CLT Policies in Honor of World CLT Day
On Thursday, May 16th, BNCLT joined the Greater Boston Community Land Trust Network (GBCLTN) at the Massachusetts State House to lobby for two pieces of legislation that will advance our work: the Small Properties Acquisition Fund (SPAF), and the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA).
This Greater Boston CLT Lobby Day took place as part of World CLT Day — a global event that aims to spotlight, share, and celebrate our diverse CLT community and our impactful efforts to advance affordable housing, land justice, and community empowerment.
Going to the State House and speaking directly with legislators and staff is one of the most effective ways we can make sure our voices are heard. While there, we spoke to legislative directors and aids, and even legislators themselves. These conversations allowed us to speak directly with decisionmakers about why our priorities matter. It also gave us a chance to hear from legislators and staff — who told us what is happening behind the scenes at the State House, and what we can do to increase our chances of advancing our legislative priorities.
GBCLTN members speaking with MA State Senator Pat Jehlen.
Here are more details on the items we are asking for for:
Include language and a $25 million authorization for the Small Properties Acquisition Fund (SPAF). The SPAF was first passed in 2022 with $1 million to help organizations purchase and provide long term stewardship of affordable housing all across MA. It provides funding to purchase and rehab existing affordable housing units and keep them affordable for generations.
Include the provisions of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) (S.880/H.1350) in the Affordable Homes Act (H.4138). TOPA would allow cities and towns the local option of providing tenants in multi-family buildings the right to match a third-party offer when their homes are being sold. Tenants can designate their rights to a non-profit (like a CLT!) or local housing authority, or partner with an affordable housing purchaser.
Create opportunities for new construction of permanently affordable homeownership. This is critical given that MA provides no public funds for the construction of affordable homes for first time homebuyers that will be kept affordable for the long term.
Keep the Real Estate Transfer Fee in the Affordable Homes Act (H.4138)