Budget Amendment ID: FY2021-S4-333

ECO 333

Vacant Building Conversion Task Force

Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ____ the following section:-

"SECTION XX.  (a) There shall be a task force to examine the potential for converting vacant commercial office space to affordable housing.

The task force shall consist of the following members: the secretary of housing and community development, or their designee, who shall serve as chair; the chairs of the joint committee on housing, or their designees;1 person to be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; 1 person to be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; and 10 persons to be appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be commercial building owner, 1 of whom shall be a representative from Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association; 1 of whom shall be a representative from the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP); 2 of whom shall be a representatives from the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations from 2 different regions; 1 of whom shall be a representative from MassHousing; 1 of whom shall be a representative of MassDevelopment; 1 of whom shall be a representative from the Massachusetts Municipal Association; 1 of whom shall be an architect with experience in office building conversion; and 1 of whom shall be tenant who lives in an affordable housing unit. In making appointments, the governor shall ensure that the task force represents different geographic regions.

(b)  In making its recommendations, the task force shall:(i) investigate the structural and financial barriers to office-to-residential conversion; (ii) examine whether office-to-residential conversions to affordable housing are cost-effective and (iii) explore what additional targeted incentives or funding sources are needed for these projects.

(c)  The task force shall convene its first meeting within 30 days after the effective date of this act. The task force shall submit its report, including any proposed legislation or regulations necessary to carry out its recommendations, by filing the same with the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, the joint committee on housing, and the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than June 30, 2021."