Massachusetts Senate Bill S2378

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/6/23

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.