Video & Transcript Research : 'multihazard plan'
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ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Human Services Committee Feb 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman Davidson: Yes, we do plan to identify youth as a population.
- this plan.
- We have energy..." of strategic planning, long-term planning because of the uncertainty at the federal
- So do you write the plan? Do you write the plan on the goals? Chairman Davidson, no.
- We also have compliance plans.
Summary:
The Human Services Committee met in interim session and first approved the previous meeting minutes before receiving a series of presentations on homelessness and housing stability. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency updated members on the new Interagency Council on Homelessness, describing its executive-order mandate to review resources, gather input from stakeholders, identify gaps, and develop recommendations. She said the council’s first work is building a statewide program matrix of existing homeless services and funding sources, with attention to youth, tribal communities, and other vulnerable populations. Members raised concerns about youth homelessness, homeless veterans, and how the council will stay focused on a practical framework rather than getting lost in details. The committee also discussed possible connections to the rural health transformation grant and agreed to continue the topic later in the spring.
Beth Olson of Presentation Partners in Housing described the organization’s housing-first model in Cass County and Clay County, including homeless prevention/diversion, housing navigation, and Cooper House, a 42-unit permanent supportive housing building in Fargo. She said the organization focuses on people with long-term and chronic homelessness, many with mental health, addiction, health, domestic violence, and Indigenous identity-related barriers, and reported strong outcomes: 85 of 86 people housed in 2025, 91% still housed after one year, and major reductions in emergency room use, ambulance rides, jail stays, detox days, and shelter use. She also explained that state funding has grown from a small share of the budget to about $1.1 million in state-connected funding for fiscal 2026, largely through contracts tied to supportive services. Members asked about vouchers, rent contributions at Cooper House, length of stay, and whether similar projects could be expanded elsewhere.
Andrea Olson of the Community Action Partnership of North Dakota outlined statewide homeless and housing-related services delivered through six community action agencies in all 53 counties. She explained the Community Services Block Grant structure, said housing was identified as the top need in the most recent statewide needs assessment, and described programs including Supportive Services for Veteran Families, North Dakota Homeless Grant services, and Home ARP supportive services. She emphasized that the end of North Dakota Rent Help has increased pressure on the system, that the current $2 million annual homeless grant is far smaller than prior rent-help assistance, and that community action is using case management and financial assistance to move households toward self-sufficiency. Members asked about funding formulas, rural service delivery, and coordination with Presentation Partners to avoid duplication. YouthWorks then began a presentation on youth homelessness, describing services for ages 12 to 24, the special needs of youth and former foster youth, and the organization’s use of federal and state funds to support transitional housing, emergency shelter, maternity housing, and diversion services.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nominations of Sean Donahue, of Florida, and Jessica Kramer, of Wisconsin, both to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Brian Nesvik, of Wyoming, to be Director of the United State Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:45 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- How do we stop this eternal process of planning and actually do the dam clean-up?
- Let me just kind of dig deeper on this remediation plan holdup, Mr. Fox, that you've talked about.
- You get so many extra plans.
- , that plan, this plan. begs the question, if you're using an EPA certified lab, why do you have to keep
- Is it an automatic approval of the remediation plan?
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Elect Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- state for more money simply for maintenance purposes, and making sure that there is a maintenance plan
- in place and a maintenance plan for making sure that all those things happen.
- Obviously the details on the certification of the plan and what the plan has to require still need to
- We support fully the concept of having plans in place. I think, like Mr.
- This meant that we were unable to continue with our originally planned model for shelter.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- The plan proposed would issue lease sales across 1.27 billion acres of federal waters, including six
- So if this leasing plan challenges our own direction and our own desire to mitigate climate change...
- The leasing plan challenges our own direction and our own desire to mitigate climate change.
- The federal plan could bring another 1.9 million gallons to the Pacific coast.
- Our state prides itself on being a global leader in our plan for tackling the climate crisis.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/19/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Since then, we've moved very quickly on the DFSM process improvement plan to address.
- We also requested the meeting minutes for the covered behavioral health plan services guide work group
- Generally, the American Rescue Plan Act prohibited state Medicaid agencies that received ARPA funding
- We leverage both a network report that is submitted by each of the health plans to indicate their own
- And then we follow up directly with the health plan and ask for very specific data points.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- They have submitted a revised business plan. It's currently under review.
- And if the business plan doesn't change, they don't have the money to pay the contract.
- So we're just betting that the business plan is going to be approved.
- But you are in possession of a revised, a new business plan, but you haven't approved it yet.
- And then the title of that corrective action plan was... ...the first time.
Summary:
The committee first considered an $88,000 used tire program contract for District 4 with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could worsen cash flow before funding was confirmed. Questions were also raised about procurement language in the RFP that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. After discussion, a motion was made and approved to hold the contract until next month so the tire board could appear and answer questions.
Members then reviewed a large slate of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included capital projects at ASU Mid-South, Arkansas Tech, Ozarka, UA Fayetteville, UA Little Rock, UAMS, and UCA; a new UCA multi-purpose arena project estimated at $75.5 million; and DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, and rural hospital quality improvement. All of these items were reviewed without objection.
The committee also heard a ratification request from UAMS for a Family and Medical Leave Act outsourcing contract with FMLA Source. UAMS said an amendment had been prepared but never submitted for review, and payments continued after expiration; members expressed frustration and asked UAMS to review whether other contracts had similarly lapsed. The committee then reviewed numerous construction-related, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including airport economic impact study work, parking guidance technology at the University of Arkansas, veteran nursing services, and multiple DHS service contracts. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after reports of routine contract amendments and minor contracts were presented for information.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 27, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Every time I buy an insurance plan, you know, you do the best you can.
- So the plans and needs will be different.
- Now you've got to go take that money and go into the Affordable Care Act plan.
- It has health plans. You're recognized. Mr. Chairman, thank you, and Rep.
- and what health plan companies we're going to put on here.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So, in your opinion, there's no great risk to people that would enjoy this plan.
- And obviously, the state and federal laws require that because these plans don't have to comply.
- But consumers, we want to make sure that they're getting the best plans available.
- Consumers, it's still, we want to make sure that they're getting the best plans available.
- Inspectors must be provided access to these plans during each inspection.
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on six bills. SB 480, by Senator DeSigley, would allow a narrowly tailored nonprofit agricultural organization to offer health coverage to its members, especially farmers and ranchers, outside the Florida Insurance Code; supporters said it would improve affordable access in rural areas, while the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network warned the plans would not have to cover preexisting conditions or comply with ACA protections. An amendment aligning the bill with the statute for nonprofit religious organizations was adopted, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1226, also by Senator DeSigley, would create a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs; it drew no opposition and was reported favorably. SB 988, by Senator Truenow, would revise securities exemption and filing requirements under Florida’s Invest Local exemption law; a strike-all amendment clarifying terms, fingerprinting, and related compliance provisions was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably with the committee substitute.
SB 944, by Senator Davis, would correct an omission in the law governing insurance overpayment claims so the 12-month limit applies to psychologists and HMO claims, with an effective date tied to January 1, 2026; the Florida Psychological Association supported the measure, and it was reported favorably with committee substitute after an amendment. SB 756, by Senator Burton, would remove the age-8 diagnosis cutoff and age cap for mandated insurance coverage for autism services, update the autism definition to the current DSM, and also repeal age caps for Down syndrome diagnosis; disability advocates and provider groups supported the bill, and it passed as amended. SB 1078, introduced on behalf of Senator McLean, would streamline permitting and inspection procedures for certain fire alarm and sprinkler projects, set deadlines for local agencies, limit extra documentation demands, and restrict enforcement of local ordinances not properly submitted; fire industry representatives supported the compromise amendment, some senators questioned local flexibility and permitting delays, and the bill was reported favorably after the amendment was adopted. The committee also approved a motion allowing staff to make technical and conforming changes and then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Massachusetts needed a plan.
- I helped shape and implement parts of four three-year plans.
- I helped shape and implement parts of four three-year plans.
- I'm a principal planner at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
- It educates the planning board. It educates the local licensing boards.
Summary:
The committee hearing focused on a broad set of energy efficiency, building decarbonization, school modernization, and lighting bills. Testimony generally came from municipal leaders, labor unions, environmental groups, and advocates who supported measures such as H. 3529/S. 2294 on building energy and decarbonization, H. 3577/S. 2286 on a zero-carbon renovation fund, H. 3476/S. 2275 on healthy and sustainable schools, H. 3565 on Mass Save zero-carbon assessments, H. 3477 on clean lighting and appliance efficiency standards, and the Dark Sky bills on outdoor lighting. Supporters argued these bills would cut emissions, lower utility bills, improve indoor air quality and school conditions, and direct resources to environmental justice, gateway, and low-income communities.
Witnesses emphasized that Massachusetts’ older building stock and school facilities need major upgrades, and that state funding and financing tools are needed to close gaps left by declining federal support. Mayors, labor leaders, and environmental advocates said the proposals would create local jobs, expand apprenticeships, and help municipalities and schools undertake retrofits, ventilation improvements, heat pump installations, and other decarbonization work. Several speakers also defended Mass Save as highly cost-effective while urging new funding sources beyond ratepayer bills for larger-scale building upgrades. One representative asked about the difference between current Mass Save audits and proposed zero-carbon assessments, and the sponsor explained the new assessments would include heat pumps, solar, storage, wiring upgrades, and rate-structure guidance.
There was also testimony on the Dark Sky bill, with astronomers and museum representatives arguing that better-shielded, downward-facing lighting would reduce energy waste, protect wildlife and human health, and preserve night skies without compromising safety. Committee members raised concerns about pedestrian safety and whether education might be enough instead of legislation; supporters responded that the bill follows established lighting standards and targets only unnecessary glare and skyward light. On the school bill, an open-shop contractor group opposed the measure, arguing its PLA and apprenticeship requirements would restrict bidding and reduce competition, while labor organizations strongly supported the workforce standards and prevailing wage provisions.
No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony and several members asked clarifying questions, but the transcript does not show any final action or disposition on the bills.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee May 12th, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- On safety, the wildfire mitigation plan process is working.
- Upon plan approval, we also ensure that the utilities are implementing those plans through our performance
- The FAIR Plan does a good job.
- So what we review is when the plans come in, we review the plans.
- that they would do in the wildfire mitigation plans.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So the planning document requirement, again, very rigorous, upfront.
- But I say that because I, I see that the planning started back in 2003.
- And they have to have a planning document, so they can't just say it.
- It's just a matter of fortitude to get that asset management plan done.
- We're planning on beginning our CDL program again this fall.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Taxes Committee hearing on bill to establish new fifth-tier state income tax rate 4/3/25
Transcript Highlights:
- That is not the plan.
- That is not the plan.<00:37:51.200>
The <00:37:51.560>plan <00:37:52.560>and <00: - The plan and the reason for House plan.
- And if that is the plan, then we have to have a plan in Minnesota. And this is one attempt.
- And it's very clear that what the plan And it's very clear that what the plan is<00:50:50.319>
Summary:
The committee heard House File 2591, the “Support Medicaid Not Millionaires Act,” laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill. Chair Gomez said the bill would create a fifth individual income tax tier on very high earners to offset any future federal Medicaid cuts, arguing that proposed federal budget changes would likely reduce Medicaid funding and create a large state budget hole. Gomez and other supporters framed Medicaid as essential for children, long-term care, mental health, substance use treatment, rural hospitals, and families across Minnesota, and criticized federal tax cuts for corporations and wealthy individuals.
Several testifiers supported the bill. A SEIU Healthcare worker described how Medicaid supports her care for a disabled son and her own health needs, warning that cuts would threaten home care, hospitals, and nursing homes. A public health employee from the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees said recent state and federal layoffs had already weakened public health capacity and urged additional revenue to backfill losses. Other supporters, including community and faith leaders, said the wealthy and corporations should pay more to protect public services, youth programs, and Medicaid-funded care. A mental health provider testified that most of the people served by her clinic rely on Medicaid and that cuts would harm clinics, rural access, and the broader behavioral health system.
Representative Anderson questioned whether the bill would affect Medicaid spending tied to undocumented immigrants and asked for data on MinnesotaCare and federal-state funding shares. Department of Human Services staff clarified that he was referring to MinnesotaCare, not Medicaid, and said Medicaid is generally matched by the federal government while MinnesotaCare does not have the same match. The exchange became contentious when Gomez objected to Anderson’s use of the term “illegal immigrants” and redirected the discussion back to the bill. Anderson also raised concerns about Medicaid fraud and whether the proposal would backfill any federal changes related to fraud enforcement. No vote was taken; the bill was simply laid over.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think there's at least another 30% that is ERISA plans, self-insurance plans.
- plans self-insurance plans<01:29:59.119>
why <01:29:59.320>do <01:29:59.480>you - <01:30:12.760>
to fully insured plan to fully insured plan to pay<01:30:15.000>for - that plan kick in and give extra money if that supplemental plan covers the co-insurance?
- each plan a separate file for each plan each plan a separate file for each plan whereas<05:25:51.798
Summary:
The committee took up HB 297 with a non-germane amendment proposed by the Insurance Department to create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Commissioner DJ Beton explained that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce rising insurance premiums and avoid surplus lines coverage by funding proactive home and property improvements such as roof fortification, exterior and foundation work, flood protection, and tree removal. He said the proposal was developed after leadership asked for more statutory detail and for the idea to be vetted through policy committees rather than handled only in the budget process.
Beton said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. He described the program as modeled on similar efforts in other states, with means testing tied to the Department of Energy’s weatherization/home heating assistance criteria. He also said the department would administer the program using one existing staff position, with coordination through Treasury, and that unspent funds would roll over for several years before reverting to the general fund.
Members asked about the unusual use of a non-germane amendment and how the bill would be handled procedurally, since the underlying bill and the new insurance proposal were unrelated. The chair explained that the amendment was being used as a vehicle to move the department’s proposal through the committee process and that the committee could later accept one part, both parts, or neither. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting shown; the discussion ended with questions about administration, staffing, and the relationship between the underlying bill and the amendment.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- with families and how to co-create a shared plan of care.
- It also discusses how to specify goals and action planning.
- It also discusses how to specify goals and action planning.
- the plans' care coordination abilities has not been great.
- It's wanting to plan a seat for a future discussion.
Summary:
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities equity subcommittee met, approved the prior minutes, and heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Cater Center (Care Coordination Assistance, Training, Education, and Resources for Kids). Presenters Toria Haffey and Patty Loza explained that Cater provides training and technical assistance to MassHealth’s Cares for Kids providers serving children with medical complexity, with a focus on enhanced care coordination, family partnership, racial/cultural/linguistic equity, community resources, education systems, shared plans of care, and transition support. They described five e-learning modules, flexible one-on-one and group technical assistance, case review support, and informal virtual “cafes” for providers. They also noted the program has been operating for about two to three years and currently works with five hospital-based providers, including Boston Children’s, BMC, Tufts, NeighborHealth, and Baystate.
Committee members asked about the number of families served, the relationship to MassHealth, and whether the model could be expanded beyond Boston-area providers. The presenters said Cater does not track enrollment numbers because that is handled by providers and MassHealth, and they agreed there is room to broaden reach and improve data collection. Members suggested connecting Cater with regional disability and case management networks, the Health Equity Compact, ACOs, and DDS-related contacts. Questions also focused on funding stability amid federal Medicaid cuts and workforce shortages in family engagement roles; Cater said the work remains a priority for MassHealth, though funding is a concern, and acknowledged staffing gaps, especially for family partners with lived experience.
After the presentation, the committee discussed a NIH strategic plan for disability health research that had been circulated for future review. Because members had not yet read it, they agreed to place it on the agenda for the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned with no further business.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/15/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #1
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's what the Republican plan differs with the governor's plan.
- Frankly, the all plan was 60% of the all comprehensive plan covered the 60% that she put in there.
- And that's what the Republican plan differs with the governor's plan.
- Frankly, the all plan was 60% of the all comprehensive plan covered the 60% that she put in there.
- So we are not doing the SALT deduction in this plan, and we are not doing the write-off for new cars.
Summary:
The caucus focused on HB 2153, a tax conformity bill that would align Arizona statute with the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, including retroactive provisions affecting tax year 2025. Staff explained that the bill excludes three federal provisions from H.R. 1: the additional $6,000 senior deduction, the increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction to $40,000, and the deduction for interest on new car loans. It also adds several Arizona-specific provisions, including a $6,000 deduction for certain retirement distributions for taxpayers age 65 or older, a $6,000 deduction for Roth IRA contributions, an increase in the dependent tax credit from $100 to $125, and a deduction for child and dependent care expenses above the federal credit. JLBC’s fiscal note was cited as a negative $441.3 million in year one, declining over the next two years.
Chairman Livingston and other Republican members argued the bill was needed immediately because the Department of Revenue had already issued tentative forms assuming full conformity, creating confusion for taxpayers and businesses. They said the state needed a signed law as soon as possible to avoid amended returns, inconsistent filing rules, and uncertainty for small businesses. Livingston emphasized that the bill was intended to protect small businesses from having to keep two sets of books and said he was advising taxpayers not to file until the issue was resolved. Members also discussed the practical impact on small businesses, citing testimony that Arizona has about 700,000 small businesses employing well over a million people.
Several exchanges clarified the difference between the governor’s November direction to the Department of Revenue and the bill before the committee. Staff explained that DOR normally assumes “simple conformity” and that the governor’s directive attempted to add “below-the-line” deductions through a worksheet, but that those items still require statutory authorization. Members said the governor’s action was confusing and characterized it as a press release rather than binding law. The committee also discussed the child care provisions, describing them as a federal-style deduction Arizona has not previously adopted and as one of the main new benefits in the bill. The caucus ended without a vote, and members were told the floor would begin at 10 a.m.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ports, Waterways and Intermodal Transit Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit
Transcript Highlights:
- What we're doing is creating a task force to develop a long-range plan for seagrass restoration.
- range plan for seaggrass restoration. range plan for seaggrass restoration.
- Bill 38 amendment: replace line 53 on page two with the following: seagrass and sea oats restoration plan
- Please tell us about your bill, sir. restoration plan to recommend the tools restoration plan to recommend
- Last year, we passed this legislation and what it does, it creates a seafood marketing plan administered
Keywords:
district attorneys, prosecutorial function, law enforcement, criminal procedure, legal advice, paternity, putative father registry, adoption, legal rights, parental rights, HB181, Alabama Building Renovation Finance Authority, bond authorization, state bonds, capital improvements, public buildings, State Capitol, renovation finance, public office facilities, infrastructure financing
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Commerce and Small Business
Transcript Highlights:
- That's not plan engineering. engineering. That's not plan engineering.
- Plan engineering, you take your plan; they don't come to your site.
- I understand your point about construction plans versus site plans. Yep.
- The definition of construction plans... does that include site plans?
- I mean, just for clarity of words, you have to have a site plan to build a house.
Keywords:
internet filtering, child protection, obscene content, civil liability, manufacturers, real estate, licensing, brokerage agreements, team structure, penalties, consumer protection, residential construction, architect approval, building regulations, engineering, single family homes, invisible disability, distinctive license plate, specialty plate, motor vehicle registration
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The plan is to send this to Ways and Means um as because I do think given where we are in time a little
- The plan I think is to have that happen in a somewhat more unusual way as you're seeing today, um, and
- <00:03:01.920>
The <00:03:02.159>plan <00:03:02.319>is <00:03:02.480>to - The plan is to send this this vehicle.
- So then, logistically, we would not be planning to meet tomorrow morning. Is that correct?
Bills:
HF2440
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There have been shifts in planning. standards and funding across the state, but our target continues
- Lastly, we need to prioritize asset management and planning, which allows owners to plan to manage. to
- Of looking forward and prioritizing and planning is a significant challenge.
- Those are some of the improvements that we can make. of the planning side as well.
- Flood infrastructure, the plan that was implemented to like planning is a big aspect.
Keywords:
Texas, Infrastructure Report Card, ASCE, population growth, climate change, investment, public safety, engineering standards
Summary:
The meeting focused on the release of the 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card, highlighting key findings and recommendations for improving infrastructure across various sectors in the state. Julie Jones, Vice President of ASCE Texas, opened the session by introducing key speakers, including Dr. Art Wood and committee co-chairs Griselda Gonzalez and Austin Mazzarelli. Throughout the discussion, the report's grades were revealed, showing the state's infrastructure received an overall grade of 'C'—adequate but requiring significant attention and investment. Emphasis was placed on the rising challenges posed by climate change and increased population growth, underscoring the need for strategic investments in infrastructure to support Texas' economic growth and public safety.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on the Census Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Senate Committee on the Census
Transcript Highlights:
- It's something that we've talked to them a lot about, the Boston Planning and Development Agency has
- I'm the Director of Data Services at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
- We are the regional planning agency for Greater Boston.
- So that's really for the work that MassDOT does on transportation planning.
- Let me see, we do have a section in the housing plan about immigrant households.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on the Census heard presentations on Massachusetts population trends and how they affect state housing planning. Susan Strait of the UMass Donahue Institute reviewed recent Census Bureau estimates, saying Massachusetts grew strongly over the last decade but that growth has slowed sharply in the newest estimates, largely because net international migration has fallen from a post-pandemic surge. She also described the four components of population change—births, deaths, domestic migration, and international migration—along with aging trends, declining fertility, the importance of the millennial cohort, and the role of foreign-born residents in births and the labor force. Committee members asked about college students in group quarters and about counting incarcerated people, and Strait explained the Census Bureau’s current methods and noted that some issues remain under discussion.
Jesse Guerrero of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council then explained how MAPC uses UMass Donahue population projections to build household and local land-use forecasts for MassDOT and the statewide housing plan. He said the earlier transportation projections anticipated slower statewide growth and regional decline in western Massachusetts and on the Cape, with more growth in eastern Massachusetts. He also described how household formation, development patterns, zoning, and affordability are modeled, and noted that newer housing-plan scenarios use updated Census data and different assumptions about migration. Senator Miranda raised concerns about Cape Cod population loss and whether seasonal residents are being counted, and Guerrero and Strait said the projections focus on permanent residents, not seasonal populations.
Tim Reardon of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities tied the demographic forecasts to the statewide housing plan, saying housing demand exists even under low-growth or slight-decline scenarios. He said the plan estimates about 115,000 homes are needed to address existing shortages, including doubled-up households, shelter families, seasonal conversion losses, and the need for healthier vacancy rates, plus additional units tied to future household formation. He added that the state’s total housing target is about 222,000 units, or as high as 262,000 under a higher-growth scenario. Senators pressed him on whether the scenarios are now too high given the recent drop in immigration, on affordability and out-migration, and on whether the housing plan adequately reflects homelessness and overcrowding in Boston and elsewhere. Reardon said the plan includes production, rental assistance, shelter prevention, and preservation strategies, and noted that HLC is also using grant programs and MBTA Communities-related infrastructure funding to support housing production statewide.