HousingPolicy.org MA | Development Process Overview

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Outline Of This Policy

As with any large and complex undertaking, bringing a housing project to life requires both a big-picture vision and attention to detail. This section of the toolbox provides an overview of the four major phases of the development process.

For purposes of this toolbox, 'The Development Process' assumes that land, owned by a public entity, is going to be used for affordable housing. Of course much of the described process would be the same for privately owned land.

Click on the sections below to learn more about ways the development process.

Phase One: Creating a Development Plan

A development plan assesses a community’s needs and opportunities for affordable housing development. It requires important decisions about key factors, from target population to types of housing and from project location to property developer.

Phase Two: Predevelopment

In predevelopment, the public entity evaluates initial project feasibility and creates a Request for Proposals (RFP). The selected developer conducts additional site due diligence, if needed, then finalizes the project design and secures permitting and financing.

Phase Three: Construction

Once decisions are finalized and project financing is secured, the developer hires a contractor. While overseeing the construction process, the developer begins marketing and leasing the property.

Phase Four: Occupancy and Ongoing Operations

When construction is complete and a certain percentage of the units are occupied, the developer closes on the project’s permanent financing. At this point, property management and asset management get under way.

Photo credits (left to right): Campus of Hope, Springfield, courtesy of YWCA of Greater Springfield; Sandwich Housing Authority, George Fernandez Phase II, courtesy of BSS Design; The Lynn Marcella Residences, courtesy of CHOICE, Inc.; Cabot Street Homes, Beverly, MA; North Shore CDC, courtesy of MHP.