Cambridge Housing Committee recesses after first voucher feasibility hearing

CAMBRIDGE -- April 30, 2024, Cambridge's Housing Committee recessed its first formal hearing on a city-funded housing voucher program with members leaning toward a project-based approach after staff analysis showed tenant-based vouchers could cost roughly $44,000 per unit per year. Housing Director Chris Cotter presented case studies from Boston, whose program has grown to nearly $12 million per year since its fiscal year 2021 launch with a $2.5 million seed commitment, and Somerville, which committed $5 million over five years and selected the Cambridge Housing Authority to administer approximately 30 vouchers. Acting City Solicitor Megan Baer's legal analysis found the city's Affordable Housing Trust cannot currently fund vouchers under its 1989 enabling legislation, though Community Preservation Act funds could potentially be appropriated directly. Cambridge Housing Authority Executive Director Michael Johnston cautioned that tenant-based vouchers are "always susceptible to the market" and expressed preference for project-based models that can "control the rents a little better." The committee voted 4-0 to recess, directing staff to return with data on unmet housing needs and to consult with community organizations on a potential project-based pilot, with more than 22,000 households currently on the CHA voucher waitlist.