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

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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