State Faces Trust Test
The coming year is shaping up to be one of big bills to pay in our commonwealth, and there are worrying signs not everyone is prepared.
Who Loses in Legislators’ Games? Not Them
The Massachusetts legislature failed the most vulnerable members of our society last week when they let the clock run out on the normal legislative session without passing a budget bill that included $250 million needed to keep the state’s homeless shelters open.
Research Finds Apartment Bans’ Racist Roots
A look back at 100 years of land-use history in Greater Boston raises questions about how much progress the state can make if Beacon Hill continues its extreme deference to local control over certain housing issues.
Commission Lawsuit Raises Stakes for Brokerage Leaders
Regardless of how the judge rules following last week’s verdict in the “bombshell” commission lawsuits, it’s clear that brokers and agents who are already moving to adapt will likely be the winners.
Aspiring American ‘Everything App’ Faces Leadership Challenge
Should X, formerly Twitter, manage to go through with its owner’s recently stated goal of turning it into America’s first app for “someone’s entire financial life,” banking regulators will have a thorny problem on their hands.
Three Cheers for Healey’s Housing Bill – Now Go Further
Gov. Maura Healey’s new housing bill is full of promise. But even if she’s able to get it through the legislature largely intact, Massachusetts can’t afford for this bill to be the only major housing legislation of her first term.
Want a Transfer Tax? Upzone First
Transfer tax supporters’ ideas have merit, and may be getting traction, but Beacon Hill shouldn’t approve these bills without making sure the extra money will actually be spent on new housing.
When Will the T Make Its Repair Plan Public?
It’s immediately obvious to anyone watching the T’s new leadership up close that this vital piece of public infrastructure is in good hands. But that’s not a perspective the average person is afforded, and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng can’t afford to take their goodwill for granted.
An Abundance of Lab Space Not a Bad Thing
A parable of sorts for the state’s housing struggles could be emerging in the state’s life science sector.
Everyone Wins from Wu’s New Plans
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu delivered a trainload of good news to the real estate industry at Back Bay’s Plaza Hotel last week in the form of policies that look like true win-wins for industry and everyday Bostonians, alike.
Accountability Is a Transit KPI, Too
The MBTA has finally released the results of an external investigation into its employees’ failure to properly inspect subway tracks. But full accountability for the fiasco is still lacking.
With Rates Higher for Longer, Where Does that Lead the Housing Market?
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell made clear in his Jackson Hole speech last month that we’re in for an extended period of elevated interest rates. But what that means for the Massachusetts housing market has more than one answer.
Prioritize More Student Housing
A series of events over the last week illustrates just how difficult it can be to build more student housing in any city as part of a larger solution to our housing problems. But that can’t be an excuse for moving slowly.
MBTA Headed for the Right Track
A slew of recent good news coming out of the MBTA should give the state’s business leaders confidence the agency is on the mend. But huge challenges still loom that need immediate attention.
Go Bigger on Accessory Dwelling Units
A provision in the so-called “YIMBY Bill” before the state legislature that would legalize accessory dwelling units on all residential properties statewide is an excellent idea. But Beacon Hill should think even bigger.
Free the T of Big Dig Debt
As they continue to mull the state’s overdue budget, here’s one idea the legislature’s fiscal negotiators should jump on: Take the Big Dig debt off the T’s books.
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