MA H298

Creates new Chapter 40Z in Massachusetts General Laws establishing a framework for school-centered neighborhood development, which integrates community schools with mixed-income housing and neighborhood planning around public schools

Establishes an 18-member Massachusetts Interagency Council on School-Centered Neighborhood Development, chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, with representatives from housing agencies, education departments, legislative appointees, and school associations serving 2-year terms without compensation

Creates the Fund for Stronger Neighborhoods and Schools, administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, to support lead partner organizations, children's cabinets, community schools, and technical assistance for neighborhood development plans

Requires annual reporting to the legislature by December 1 on fund expenditures, and authorizes the council to recommend changes to state housing investments, tenant selection guidelines, and regulations to promote mixed-income neighborhoods and schools

Authorizes research-practice partnerships between children's cabinets, lead partners, and state agencies to link local data with state data systems for evaluating cradle-to-career outcomes while protecting individual privacy