Why 2026 Could Be the Turning Point for Housing in Massachusetts
The conversation on Beacon Hill has become sharper and more candid, new polling shows voters want deeper, faster action and pro-housing candidates are winning office.
Real Estate Protests, Spilka Stands By Broker Fee Law
The Small Property Owners Association pulled together a mix of landlords, brokers and real estate agents outside the State House to protest the state’s new ban on tenant-paid apartment broker fees.
Spilka Eyes Sales Tax Exemption to Encourage Housing
The idea to exempt multifamily projects’ building materials would first be studied by a commission before any changes get formally proposed.
GOP, Dem Leaders Provide Doses of ‘Reality’ After Guv’s Speech
Republicans thought Gov. Maura Healey’s annual address “presented a rosy picture” that “fell short of reality;” while top Democrats in the Legislature said they were glad she highlighted past successes, but didn’t jump on board with every one of her outlined future priorities.
Healey Budget Would Outlaw Renter-Paid Broker’s Fees
Gov. Maura Healey is starting to roll out some specifics from her forthcoming fiscal year 2026 budget, announcing Monday that it will include a provision to do away with renter-paid broker’s fees.
Wu Hits Out Over Tax Deal’s Collapse
“We don’t have time at the city level to play games,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” on Wednesday.
Spilka Confirms Boston Tax Bill’s Dead
Despite compromises struck between the city and stakeholders, Spilka said she has “heard clearly that there currently is not sufficient support for this proposal.”
Mayor’s Tax Plan Hits Wall in Senate as Top Dem Calls Time
Sen. William Brownsberger, who represents parts of Boston and is the number-three Democrat in the Senate, called for the bill to be laid aside and for Boston to finalize its property tax rates without any shift.
Biz Groups Waver on Boston Tax Deal
Business organizations urged Beacon Hill legislators to pause approval of a new property tax structure raising rates on commercial properties in Boston following the release of new assessment data.
Spika Gathers Boston Mayor, Biz Leaders for Commercial Tax Huddle
The two sides warring over Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s property tax shift proposal huddled in Senate President Karen Spilka’s office Thursday afternoon, but emerged with no sign of an agreement.
Spilka, Wu Talk Tax Bill, But ‘Serious Concerns’ Remain
In a fresh statement this week, Spilka’s spokesperson said, “Mayor Wu and the Senate President spoke last week about the proposal. The Senate President and the Senate are committed to creating good and smart policy, and to that end, remain open to continuing conversations with the City of Boston and other stakeholders.”
Mayor Ready to Dial Each Senator in Property Tax Push
Senators be aware: If you get a call from a 617 phone number in the coming days, it could be Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
Spilka Pans Wu Tax Bill After Mayor’s Comments
Senate President Karen Spilka reacted sharply after Boston Mayor Michelle Wu suggested Boston homeowners would have the Senate to blame if state lawmakers don’t pass her proposal to temporarily hike the city’s commercial property tax rate.
Is Boston Tax Bill Caught Up in Senate-House Tensions?
The top Senate Democrat had pointed words for her House colleague that could have implications for a vote on a proposed Boston commercial tax rate increase.
Senate Plans To Tackle Housing Bill Next Week
Senate President Karen Spilka indicated Monday that the Senate will take up its version of a major housing policy and borrowing bill next week, but she declined to give any indication whether her chamber will include in its bill the local-option transfer tax that Gov. Maura Healey proposed but was left out of the bill passed by the House.
Spilka: Mass. Tolling System ‘Not Fair at All’
As the transportation secretary’s recent comments about imposing tolls for drivers crossing into Massachusetts continue to attract fire from political adversaries and a conservative watchdog group, they have also won a measure of support from one of the most powerful lawmakers on Beacon Hill.
Lawmakers Rule Out Tax Hikes to Pay for Guv’s Proposals
Gov. Maura Healey launched into her second year as...
Senate Leader Sees Different Path to Competitive Edge
Amid debate over how to keep Massachusetts competitive and how tax cuts figure into that goal, Senate President Karen Spilka emphasized Thursday the importance of “shoring up and expanding” the state’s middle class.
Realtors on Beacon Hill: Build More, Skip Rent Control
As renters and would-be homebuyers face an affordability crisis, a leading trade group for the people who facilitate home sales is eyeing new building projects as the solution.
Could Allston I-90 Project Divide State Leaders?
As many in the Boston area await an infrastructure project that would replace an I-90 viaduct through Allston and increase public transit access in the area, members of the MetroWest delegation warned on Wednesday that the project will need to be done with care to not disrupt commuters who live west of the city.
