The Boston Acquisition Fund will offer low-interest loans to developers who pledge to keep multifamily housing affordable.

A new city program in Boston will assist non-profit and mission-driven housing developers acquire occupied multifamily housing if they pledge to keep it permanently affordable.
As Ysabelle Kempe reports in Smart Cities Dive, “The public-private partnership aims to raise $25 million. The city already has about $13 million from city grant funding and 10 local organizations, including medical centers and philanthropic groups.”
The Boston Acquisition Fund will offer revolving loans, similar to the city’s existing Acquisition Opportunity Program, which has helped developers buy over 1,000 units since its launch in 2016.
“As a revolving fund, the BAF will provide low-interest loans to developers, and the repaid funds will be reinvested into future projects. This model creates “a sustainable model for preserving affordability,” according to the city of Boston.” The city aims to help developers acquire 500 units by 2030 under the new program.
FULL STORY: Boston ramps up affordable housing preservation efforts with new revolving fund

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash
Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.
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