The Acton Select Board convened on September 8, 2025, to discuss a proposed housing initiative aimed at addressing the growing need for affordable rental options in the community. The meeting highlighted a new program designed to incentivize property owners to rent units at affordable rates specifically for low-income tenants. This initiative is seen as a potential solution to the ongoing housing crisis affecting many residents in Acton.

The proposed program would allow property owners to receive tax exemptions based on the square footage of rental units offered at affordable rates. For instance, if a property owner has a $10,000 tax bill and rents out 500 square feet of a 1,000 square foot home, the maximum exemption would be $5,000. The program stipulates that rents must align with guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and income restrictions for tenants cannot exceed 200% of the area median income.

A significant point raised during the meeting was the flexibility of the program, allowing the town to tailor the initiative to meet local needs. The Select Board discussed the importance of conducting a study to assess the potential benefits and to determine how best to structure the exemption to ensure it is appealing to property owners. The board emphasized that if the financial incentives do not make sense for landlords, the program may not be utilized effectively.

The discussion also touched on the verification process for tenant eligibility, which would require landlords to submit leases and potentially income tax returns to confirm that tenants meet the income restrictions. This aspect raised concerns about the logistics of implementing the program, particularly regarding how landlords and tenants would navigate the rental process under these new guidelines.

The Select Board acknowledged that Acton could be one of the first towns in Massachusetts to adopt such a program, following Harwich, which has successfully implemented a similar initiative. The board members expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact on the community, particularly for local workers who struggle to find affordable housing options.

Next steps include a meeting with the board of assessors to gather insights and ideas on the program's implementation. If the proposal gains support, it will be brought to a town meeting for consideration. The board members underscored the importance of ensuring that the program is structured in a way that maximizes benefits for both property owners and low-income tenants, ultimately aiming to alleviate the housing challenges faced by many in Acton.