The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Center for Policy Analysis was established in 1985 as a multidisciplinary research unit dedicated to the creation and dissemination of knowledge that facilitates economic, social, and political development. The Center for Policy Analysis aims to enhance the economic and social well-being of citizens by providing research, information, and technical assistance to government, business, non-profit, and educational agencies. The Center for Policy Analysis does not pursue a predetermined research agenda, but is a flexible research organization responding on a timely basis to problems and issues identified by client agencies.

Once a housing unit is qualified for the program by deed restriction, it is possible for the occupants’ household income to occasionally exceed the eligibility threshold due to unique circumstances. In those years when household income exceeds 80 percent of the area’s median household income, taxes will be due on the property, and it will not count toward the town’s affordable housing inventory for that year. If the household’s income falls below the threshold the following year, the 100 percent tax exemption will again apply to the property for that year. Thus, it is possible for housing units to move “in and out” of the program’s tax exemption status on a yearly basis once the property is deed restricted.