The Massachusetts Senate has kept its promise on enacting bold housing reforms by passing S.3178, An Act Relative to Economic Development in the Commonwealth. In addition to authorizing $575.4 million in economic development spending, the bill includes several significant policy reforms that will help increase housing production across the Commonwealth.
We are especially pleased that two of Abundant Housing Massachusetts’ legislative priorities were included in the Senate bill: duplexes by-right statewide in residential areas and the codification of statewide site plan review standards.
We are grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Housing Chair Julian Cyr, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, Economic Development Chair Barry Finegold, and Senator Brendan Crighton for their leadership in advancing these policies and recognizing that housing production is essential to the Commonwealth’s long-term economic success.
With these reforms, Massachusetts is one step closer to producing the 222,000 new homes needed by 2035. Together, these policies will help lower housing costs, expand housing opportunities, and strengthen the Commonwealth’s economy.
Unfortunately, parking flexibility and lot size reform were not included in the bill. While we are disappointed, we will continue to advocate for these crucial policies in the future. We need every tool in our housing tool box to address our state’s housing shortage.
Housing abundance benefits everyone. Building more homes helps stabilize our housing costs, allows essential workers to live in the communities they serve, strengthens local economies, and makes Massachusetts a more affordable and prosperous place to live.
In the coming days, a Conference Committee composed of members of the House and Senate will be appointed to negotiate a compromise between the House and Senate versions of the bill. Thank you for continuing to stand with us as we work to make abundant housing a reality across Massachusetts.