2/20/26 AHMA’s Dynamic Updates

A Message From Our Senior Manager of Communications and Media Advocacy

Real change starts with showing up. Join AHMA at our biannual Lobby Day and help create more homes across Massachusetts.Mark your calendar for May 27th! 

On May 27 we will meet with legislators and rally support for the YIMBY Bill, our comprehensive housing proposal that updates outdated zoning laws, creates more abundant homes, and tackles our housing shortage head-on.

Meeting directly with your legislators is one of the most effective forms of civic engagement. It demonstrates to elected officials that their constituents are informed, engaged, and serious about addressing the housing shortage. To ensure strong housing policy is enacted, lawmakers must hear directly from advocates like you.

If you’ve never met with your legislators or attended a lobby day before, don’t worry. In the weeks leading up to May 27, we will host virtual training sessions and provide educational materials to make sure you feel prepared and confident.

Please mark your calendar and stay tuned for registration information in the coming weeks.

In this Newsletter you will find: 

• Policy and Advocacy
• New Affiliate Group: Pittsfield 
• In the News 
• Relevant Reads 

Policy and Advocacy

Last Friday, Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order establishing a technical advisory group to study and advise the administration on how Massachusetts can safely allow single-stair mid-rise residential construction above three stories. This is a huge step forward in our effort to bring more reasonably priced homes to Massachusetts residents. Currently Massachusetts requires two staircases for buildings above 3 stories. This rule adds cost to construction, inflates the size of buildings, and makes it very difficult to construct mid-rise residential buildings on smaller lots around the Commonwealth.

By updating the two staircase requirement for midrise apartment buildings, we can enable the construction of thousands of much needed new homes across the Commonwealth. To read more about this housing news, click here.

Statewide Housing

Newest Affiliate Group – Pittsfield Housing for All

Hot off the press from Western Mass, Pittsfield Housing for All is officially an AHMA affiliate and hosted their first public gathering of 2026! We’re pleased to welcome our first affiliate from Berkshire County to the AHMA network. This milestone reflects the continued growth of local, community-led efforts to support thoughtful housing solutions across the Commonwealth. We’re especially grateful to our Western Massachusetts Regional Organizer, Sean Manion, for his leadership and support in helping guide this group through the affiliate process.

Pittsfield Housing for All formed in late 2025 and is composed of leaders from local organizations and activist efforts, especially those which participated in last year’s “Homes Not Handcuffs” coalition. The coalition successfully defeated an ordinance that would have criminalized homelessness, and influenced a public-health approach that the city is currently developing. 

At their first public gathering, the group discussed several priorities for its first steps for the year ahead including planning a “Zoning 101” training and identifying policy priorities. Michaela Grady, a housing planner with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, presented an overview of the state of housing in Pittsfield and across Berkshire County. Several points underscored the importance of pro-housing efforts locally, like the age of housing stock: 49% of Pittsfield’s housing units were built before 1950, compared to 36% statewide. Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier also joined and shared her thoughts on various initiatives ongoing and planned in the city, as well as the state legislation that has influenced housing and transportation in the region.

In the News

Healey’s housing chief becomes eighth cabinet member to leave– Masster List

Inside his secretariat, Augustus had a reputation for being a tough boss. But Jesse Kanson-Benanav, executive director of the advocacy group Abundant Housing Massachusetts, noted Augustus oversaw several initiatives to address an “existential crisis” for the state created by a shortage of homes driving up prices and driving out people. That included the legalization of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as granny flats, as well as the implementation of the MBTA Communities law. 

“They have doubled down on one of the most consequential zoning reforms in our state, and used the power of the executive office to make sure every community impacted by this law is doing its part,” Kanson-Benanav said.

“There will be some big shoes to fill, literally and figuratively,” said Kanson-Benanav, referring to Augustus and his 6’6 frame.

Additional Featured News:

Maura Healey unveiled her latest plan to tackle Massachusetts’ housing crisis: Fewer staircases – Boston Globe 

 Healey orders review of building codes in effort to boost housing options– NBC10 Boston 

Healey orders look at safety of single-stairway residential buildings – State House News 

To step up housing, Healey looks to change stairway rules – WBUR

Relevant Reads

Healey housing secretary stepping down to take banking job

Colin A. Young
State House News

As she pursues reelection and a busy policy agenda this year, Gov. Maura Healey is losing another Cabinet secretary and she’s turning to a former state representative to fill the vacancy. Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus is stepping down Friday, Feb. 27 to become CEO of UniBank, the Healey administration confirmed Thursday. To assume his place as secretary, the governor announced she has tapped former Rep. Juana Matias, a Democrat who represented Lawrence in the House for the 2017-2018 session before launching a run for Congress and later serving as New England regional administrator of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Healey announces $140M investment in over 1,300 Massachusetts homes

Grace Zokovitch
Boston Herald

The state will invest over $140 million in the creation of more than a thousand homes across the state, the Healey administration announced Wednesday — funding another round of affordable residences and transforming vacant commercial buildings through two state programs. “Too many downtown buildings across Massachusetts are sitting dark and empty when they could be part of the solution to our housing shortage,” said Gov. Maura Healey.

Massachusetts Weighs Return of Rent Control, Dividing Top Democrats

Jared Mitovich
The Wall Street Journal

BOSTON—A fight is heating up in Massachusetts over what could become one of the nation’s strictest rent-control measures. A group of housing advocates and labor unions want to stop landlords from raising rents by more than the state’s annual rate of inflation—but no higher than 5%—a year. They amassed enough signatures late last year to qualify their proposal for this November’s ballot, launching New England’s most populous state headlong into the debate over whether policing rent helps tenants.