State legislators say the new law could support 65,000 new housing units.
A new Massachusetts law signed by Governor Maura Healey will invest over $5 billion to address the housing crisis over the next five years. As Mitch M. Rosenthal writes in Hoodline, the Affordable Homes Act is expected to support the construction or rehabilitation of over 65,000 housing units in the state and supports the modernization of public housing and support for first-time homebuyers.
“Among the policies is a key change allowing accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, under 900 square feet to be built by right on single-family lots, a uniform approach that simplifies what was formerly a mixed bag of zoning regulations.” The administration predicts that property owners will build 8,000 to 10,000 ADUs thanks to the new law, though other obstacles to development could slow their growth.
The law includes provisions targeted at ‘Seasonal Communities,’ towns like Cape Cod where housing needs vary throughout the year. “Moreover, new guidance for responsible contracting has been announced, aiming to protect construction workers on affordable housing projects funded by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities from wage theft and other labor law violations.”
FULL STORY: Massachusetts Enacts Landmark $5.1 Billion Affordable Homes Act to Tackle Housing Crisis
Texas Legislature’s Surprising Pro-Housing Swing
Smaller homes on smaller lots, office to apartment conversions, and 40% less say for NIMBYs, vote state lawmakers.
Homeowners Blame PG&E for Delays in ADU Permits
The utility says it has dramatically reduced its backlog, but applicants say they still face months-long delays for approvals for new electrical work.
NYC Likely to Legalize ADUs as Part of ‘City of Yes’ Reforms
Homeowners in some neighborhoods could soon be able to build accessory dwelling units in their backyards, garages, or basements.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie