The $500 million spending bill includes pro-housing policies that will encourage housing production and strengthen the Commonwealth’s economy.
BOSTON – Abundant Housing Massachusetts (AHMA) applauds the Massachusetts House of Representatives on the passage of H.5562 An Act Relative to Economic Development in the Commonwealth. This bill authorizes over $500 million in spending and includes several policies that will stimulate new housing production and economic growth across the Commonwealth.
Two of AHMA’s priorities, Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) and the codification of site plan review, are included in the final version of the bill. Under the site plan review provision, local planning and permitting would become standardized, promoting consistency in municipal decision-making.
“We are grateful to House Speaker Ronald Mariano, House Majority Leader Michael Moran, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means Aaron Michlewitz, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing Richard Haggerty, YIGBY Lead Sponsor Representative Andy Vargas, and Site Plan Review Lead Sponsor Representative Kristin Kassner for their leadership and including key pro-housing provisions in the Economic Development Bill. Housing affordability remains a crucial component to our economy and this bill is a critical step in strengthening Massachusetts economic prosperity,” said Jesse Kanson-Benanav, executive director of Abundant Housing Massachusetts. “Through this bill we can unlock thousands of homes for working class families, caregivers, teachers, and aging seniors.Reforms like YIGBY and Site Plan Review are crucial tools that will help us build the new homes current and future residents desperately need. ”
The inclusion of YIBGY and Site Plan Review signal a renewed emphasis on housing as a tool to bolster the Commonwealth’s economy. YIGBY allows faith-based institutions to build new homes by-right on property owned by their institution. Currently, Massachusetts has approximately 4,850 faith-owned parcels that could be repurposed for new homes. Additionally, codifying site plan review makes local development processes clear, consistent, and predictable – reducing unnecessary delays and lowering the cost of building new homes.
“When housing is more abundant, everyone benefits. Home prices go down, essential workers are able to live in the communities they serve, employers are better able to attract and retain talent, small businesses flourish, and we can build a more prosperous and affordable Commonwealth for everyone. We look forward to working with our partners in the Senate to ensure these provisions, and additional pro-housing and pro-growth reforms like removing costly parking mandates, are included in the final economic development bill and signed into law,” said Kanson- Benanav.
Having passed in the House, the bill will move to the Senate for consideration.
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Abundant Housing Massachusetts is a non-profit organization founded in 2020 to advocate for the creation of abundant housing for all and to develop and support a network of grassroots, pro-housing groups and activists across Massachusetts. AHMA is committed to fostering a movement that includes diverse voices, geography, and people with different lived experiences to help shape an inclusive statewide pro-housing network.