Metropolitan Area Planning Council

In January 2000, former Governor Paul Celluci issued Executive Order 418, an initiative designed to provide cities and towns with the tools necessary to address the critical housing needs of the state. The order directs the heads of four Massachusetts agencies to establish a Housing Certification program and a Community Development Plan.

Housing Certification
The Housing Certification process awards priority status for discretionary state programs to communities taking steps to address the housing shortage in the Commonwealth. Communities receive certification by expanding the supply of housing affordable across a broad range of incomes in their communities and/or taking steps for planning, removing barriers, and/or creating a positive atmosphere for housing development.

Community Development Plans
Cities and towns are eligible for up to $30,000 in technical assistance and planning services to assist in the preparation of a Community Development Plan (CDP). The CDP is intended to provide guidance as communities consider options for future development. The plans should focus on developing affordable housing while balancing the need for economic development, transportation and infrastructure improvements, and cultural resource and open space preservation. Guidelines for creating a CDP are found in the state publication Building Vibrant Communities.

MAPC Role
The MAPC serves as a project manager/administrator of the CDP process for each community in the MAPC planning area. We manage and distribute available funds, help develop the CDP scope of work, and help determine the equivalency of existing plans. We also contract with the community's choice of consultant, or serve the community as a planning consultant.

2004 Update: Work continues apace for EO 418, at the beginning of 2004, MAPC staff worked with the communities of Essex, Reading, Cape Ann, Burlington, Winthrop, Millis, Watertown and Stoughton on housing and economic development. MAPC staff hosted more than 10 workshops throughout March.

Questions regarding Executive Order 418 or MAPC's availability to provide consulting services should be directed to Mark Racicot at 617-451-2770 ext. 2063.