flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Mass. governor proposes real estate transfer fee hike for climate resiliency projects

Codes and Standards

Mass. governor proposes real estate transfer fee hike for climate resiliency projects

Opposed by real estate and trade groups, plan could generate $1 billion in next decade.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | February 1, 2019
Boston, Mass.

Courtesy Pixabay

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has proposed hiking the state’s real estate transfer fee by 50% to fund climate resiliency projects.

The plan would raise more than $1 billion in the next decade for projects to make cities and towns more resilient to the effects of climate change. The popular Republican governor’s plan has encountered resistance from real estate industry leaders and trade groups.

Baker’s plan would add nearly $1,200 in taxes to the sale of a $500,000 home, with the costs paid by the seller. The increase would raise from $130 million to $150 million annually toward a Global Warming Solutions Trust Fund that cities and towns could tap through grants, loans, and other means for local projects.

Baker said that there is no other program that will raise the funds needed to deal with the intensity and frequency of storms as the effects of climate change increase.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2018

LEED should be updated to combat climate change

Hasn’t kept pace with urgency of problem, says clean energy investor.

Codes and Standards | Jun 5, 2018

Sports stadiums and arenas showcase sustainability features

Green venues save owners money, gain positive publicity.

Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2018

L.A. must transition to cleaner energy, boost transit to reach sustainability goals

City aims to reduce GHGs 60% by 2035 and 80% by 2050.

Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2018

Washington D.C.’s flattened skyline can be a virtue

Zoning ordinance that ties building heights to width of streets dictates form.

Codes and Standards | May 30, 2018

Silicon Valley cities considering taxes aimed at large employers

The aim is to offset the impact on housing costs and homelessness by tech companies.

Codes and Standards | May 30, 2018

OSHA proposes new crane operator safety rule

Would provide long-term clarity on certification requirements.

Codes and Standards | May 29, 2018

Government support helping to drive demand for green building materials

Market projects to grow 12.5% annually between 2013 and 2019.

Codes and Standards | May 24, 2018

‘Amazon tax’ could slow Seattle’s construction boom

City imposes employer head count tax to fund affordable housing.

Codes and Standards | May 23, 2018

AAMA releases 2017/2018 fenestration market studies

Offers forecasts of industry trends.

Codes and Standards | May 22, 2018

Registration open for 2018 National Energy Codes Conference

U.S. Department of Energy event to be held July 15th-17th in Austin.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Reconstruction & Renovation

Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism

While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.



halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021