Springfield Ties Future to Gaming
The MGM casino revitalized an area of the city heavily damaged in a 2011 tornado. It’s now generating millions of dollars in taxes and thousands of permanent jobs.
Mass. Can Overcome Local Control Arguments with Permitting Reforms
Permitting reforms can still accelerate housing production in Massachusetts this year, while avoiding much of the controversy surrounding state-driven zoning reforms.
Don’t Turn Your Loan Problem into a Tax Problem
The prospects of refinancing many office projects are low, given their plummeting valuations. But resolving this with a deed in lieu of foreclosure carries unique tax implications.
Mass. Transportation Plans Are Working – and Must Continue
Last year, state leaders set specific priorities and followed through. But as we begin 2026, we should not confuse incremental progress for long-term success.
Building for Resilience in a Climate-Affected Construction Landscape
From physical risks to scheduling delays to evolving building codes, climate change’s growing impact on healthcare construction requires proactive planning.
2025 Was a Landmark Year for Housing Reform
What once seemed politically impossible is now happening across red, blue and purple states alike, in ways that should inspire us here in Massachusetts.
Why Local Banking Is Essential for Massachusetts
Amid a wave of innovation, one truth remains: local banking remains essential – not just for convenience, but for the economic health of Massachusetts.
The Most Important B&T Guest Columns You Should Have Read in 2025
These pieces charted the challenges, innovations, big ideas and criticism in the real estate, housing policy and urbanism worlds.
Statewide Housing Push Must Prioritize Access to Home Ownership
By focusing so intently on rental development and preservation, Massachusetts also risks neglecting the importance of addressing barriers to homeownership.
Expect Another Busy Year for Multifamily Transactions
As we approach 2026, transaction volume in the Greater Boston multifamily market has rebounded, and investors remain bullish about the region.
Court Case to Settle ‘Unfunded Mandate’ Claims Against MBTA Zoning
MBTA Communities Act opponents deride it as an “unfunded mandate” even though academic studies show multifamily housing usually pays more than the services it consumes.
The Patient Capital Behind Many Affordable Housing Projects
CEDAC’s financing and technical assistance programs have contributed to the production or preservation of over 455,000 homes statewide
Lessons from the Transformative Development Initiative in Massachusetts
Building resilient commercial corridors means changing the way communities engage, access resources and build long-term networks.
Historic Harvard Square Apartments Get 21st Century Makeover
The transformation of 1200 Massachusetts Ave. in Harvard Square blends architectural preservation, modern innovation and a reinvestment in the cultural and residential fabric of Cambridge.
BSA Symposium Highlights Housing Innovation
Massachusetts must center design throughout the entire life cycle of housing: how we regulate, finance, build and live together.
Single-Stair Can Unlock New Housing Without Compromising Safety
State legislators are considering a commission to study an idea that could create 130,000 new homes in Greater Boston. Towns and cities could be moving even faster.
Real Estate’s Wins and Challenges in 2025 – and What’s to Come
This year did not bring half the success we wanted, but the successes we did see brought hope to build upon at the state and local level.
The 2025 NAR Profile Reveals a Market Nobody Recognizes
The people buying homes in America these days show real estate agents need to rethink where they focus their lead-generating energy next year.
Legalizing ‘Missing Middle’ Housing Needs More Than Zoning Reform
Unlocking housing supply in Massachusetts will also require serious reforms in building code, development oversight and dimensional regulation.
Mass. Is Creating Homeownership Deserts in Our Gateway Cities
There’s a rising fascination with helping homebuyers access their first homes. But it won’t fix the core issue: We don’t create many new affordable homes for sale.
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