Bill would create state center and $100 million reserve to promote housing cooperatives

Representative Carmen Gentile and cooperative advocates told the Joint Committee on Housing that state investment and centralized technical assistance could expand cooperative ownership as an affordable‑housing tool.

What the bill does: H1509 / S983 proposes establishing the Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives under the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and creating a $100,000,000 reserve to support co‑op formation, resident ownership of manufactured-home communities, and cooperative conversions.

Why proponents favor the approach: Rep. Gentile said housing co‑ops “reduce barriers to ownership for low income individuals” and allow residents to collectively set rents, prioritize maintenance and reduce reliance on absentee landlords. Jason Brady of the Cooperative Development Institute said public funding and flexible financing are needed because construction and interest costs and real-estate speculation make conversions difficult without official supports.

Program details raised in testimony: Witnesses noted manufactured-home community timelines and statutory right-of-first-refusal rules that require rapid financing and flexible bridge support for resident purchasers. Advocates asked the committee to report the bill favorably so the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities can stand up a center to provide technical assistance, financing programs and training.

Conclusion: Proponents framed the center and reserve as tools to expand resident ownership and long-term affordability in multi-family and manufactured‑home settings.