Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S2378

Caption

Majority Report on the Governor’s Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 2023 (submitted by the Governor under the provisions of Article LXXXVII of the Amendments to the Constitution) relative to creating the executive office of housing and livable communities and to rename the Executive Office of Economic Development (House, No. 43)

Impact

The creation of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is a significant rearrangement in the state's approach to addressing housing challenges. The bill places the new Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities in a cabinet position, signifying the importance of housing in the state's policy framework. This repositioning aims to enhance coordination and increase the production of affordable housing over time while fostering community livability in Massachusetts.

Summary

Senate Bill S2378, also referred to as the Governor’s Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 2023, proposes the establishment of a new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. This office aims to prioritize housing-related issues including production, rehabilitation, affordability, and equity in housing opportunities across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The existing Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development will be renamed, thereby delineating the focus areas and responsibilities of these two newly defined entities.

Contention

While the bill generally received support for its intention to tackle pressing housing issues, there may be concerns regarding its implementation and the adequacy of resources allocated to the new office. Critics may question whether the separation of these offices, along with the shifting responsibilities, might create gaps in oversight or dilute the effectiveness of combined economic development and housing efforts. Additionally, the lack of amendments to the bill, as stipulated by its filing under Article LXXXVII, may lead to frustrations about the flexibility of policy adjustments in response to evolving housing challenges.

Companion Bills

MA H43

Replaced by To create the executive office of housing and livable communities and to rename the Executive Office of Economic Development

Previously Filed As

MA H43

To create the executive office of housing and livable communities and to rename the Executive Office of Economic Development

MA SF228

Constitutional amendment proposal to place limits on the terms of office of legislators and executive officers

MA SF1694

Constitutional Amendment proposal to place term limits on the office of legislators and executive officers

MA H4055

So much of the message from Her Excellency the Governor returning the General Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2024 (see House, No. 4040) as relates to Attachments A through G, for items returned with disapproval of wording under the provisions of Section 5 of Article LXIII and sections returned with recommendations of amendments under the provisions of Article LVI of the Amendments to the Constitution (House, No. 4055). August 9, 2023

MA H2894

Relative to the retirement benefits of certain employees of the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

MA SF25

Constitutional amendment placing limits on terms of office of legislators and executive officers

MA S2797

To rename the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence

MA H4250

So much of the message from Her Excellency the Governor returning the General Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2026 (see House, No. 4240) as relates to Attachments B and C, for items returned with disapproval of wording under the provisions of Section 5 of Article LXIII and sections returned with recommendations of amendments under the provisions of Article LVI of the Amendments to the Constitution (House, No. 4250). July 4, 2025

MA SB0153

Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity Amendments

MA SB12

Revises provisions relating to the Office of the Chief Information Officer within the Office of the Governor. (BDR 19-280)

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