Massachusetts Secretary Ed Augustus visited the Wellesley Housing Authority (WHA) on Barton Road on Tuesday, January 23 to discuss the affordable housing challenges facing our community and the Commonwealth.
Secretary Augustus leads the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC), formerly DHCD, which was established in 2023 by Governor Maura Healey to create more diverse housing options, expand access to housing for residents of all backgrounds, and lower housing costs for Massachusetts residents.
EOHLC also distributes funding to municipalities including Wellesley, oversees the State-
aided housing portfolio, and operates the State's Emergency Family Shelter program.
While in Wellesley, Secretary Augustus took part in an informal discussion with WHA Board members and staff, and Town officials and staff. The conversation touched on topics including the Affordable Homes Act, a bill that is currently being discussed by the State Legislature, and the MBTA Communities Law that requires communities including Wellesley to change zoning regulations around local transit stations to allow for multi-family housing by right.
In an effort to call attention to the "real sense of urgency to improve housing opportunities in the Commonwealth," the Secretary is visiting every Massachusetts housing authority and holding similar listening sessions.
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| Pictured left to right: Viviana Veira, WHA Finance Director; James Sullivan, Public Housing Coordinator; Jackie Sullivan, WHA Executive Director; Renee Spencer, WHA Board; Secretary Ed Augustus; Maura Renzella, WHA Board Vice Chair; Odessa Sanchez, WHA Board Chair; Representative Alice Peisch; Brian Drainville, Maintenance Supervisor; Janice Coduri, WHA Board. | Pictured left to right: Barbara McMahon, Community Preservation Committee Chair; Corey Testa, Wellesley Assistant Executive Director; Secretary Augustus; Ann-Mara Lanza, Select Board member & Housing liaison; Meghan Jop, Wellesley Executive Director. | Pictured: Jackie Sullivan, WHA Executive Director with Secretary Augustus and Representative Alice Peisch. |