HLC0000124 Winter 2027 Affordable Housing Competition for Rental Projects

The Winter 2027 Affordable Housing Rental Competition is a state‑run funding opportunity that provides a mix of tax‑credit allocations, cash subsidies, and project‑based vouchers for new or preserved multifamily affordable‑rental projects across Massachusetts. Sponsors must submit a pre‑application by September 24 2026, pay an applicable fee, and file a full application by December 3 2026. Funding sources include Federal and State LIHTC, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Housing Stabilization Fund, Transit‑Oriented Development, Housing Innovations Fund, and several voucher programs (MRVP, Section 811, VASH, AHVP). Projects must meet sustainability criteria, allocate at least 16 % of units to extremely low‑income households, and include a minimum unit count (20 units for LIHTC, 8 units otherwise). The competition is open to for‑profit and non‑profit developers, with a $5 M set‑aside for rural projects and typical subsidy caps of up to $1 M per project. • Funding mix: LIHTC (federal & state), cash subsidies (AHTF, HSF, TOD, HIF, etc.), and PBVs (MRVP, Section 811/VASH, AHVP). • Eligibility: New construction or preservation of ≥20 units (or ≥8 units without LIHTC), ≥16 % ELI units, sustainable design, and compliance with state housing policies. • Timeline: Pre‑application (Sept 24 2026), Q&A deadline (Oct 15 2026), Full application (Dec 3 2026), award expected early‑mid 2027. • Application portal: Housing OneStop (online). • Required attachments: architectural plans, market studies, QAP appendices, certifications for specific programs.