HLC0000130 COMMERCIAL CONVERSION TAX CREDIT INITIATIVE (CCTCI) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is soliciting project proposals under the Commercial Conversion Tax Credit Initiative (CCTCI) Notice of Funding Availability, with pre-applications due September 30, 2026 and full applications due November 13, 2026. This is a competitive allocation program for tax credits, not a traditional contract procurement.

Eligible projects must convert nonresidential commercial properties—in service at least five years prior—into residential and/or mixed-use properties with a minimum of two residential units, at least 80 percent market-rate upon completion, and may include retail or other commercial uses provided the property remains primarily residential. Projects must be located in Massachusetts municipalities.

Up to $10 million in CCTCI is available for calendar year 2026, with individual project awards capped at $3 million (10 percent of eligible development costs). Eligible development costs include construction, substantial rehabilitation, site assessment, and hazardous materials remediation, but exclude property acquisition. EOHLC will limit awards to one per development team and no more than two per municipality.

Preference is given to projects in the 11 municipalities participating in MassHousing's Technical Assistance Initiative; projects with more than 50 residential units; projects offering diverse bedroom types suitable for families; projects securing local municipal contributions; and projects incorporating sustainable design. All applicants must provide letters of municipal support from the chief elected official and demonstrate that other funding sources are substantially committed. Projects are expected to close during calendar year 2027.

The solicitation operates in two steps: pre-applications (nonrefundable $1,500 fee) by September 30, 2026; full Qualified Conversion Project applications (with EOHLC processing fees due) by November 13, 2026. Both are submitted to EOHLC-HDU@mass.gov. EOHLC anticipates issuing conditional award letters within 90 days of the full application deadline, with formal award announcements expected February or March 2027. Projects must complete construction and achieve substantial rent-up or sales before claiming tax credits.