Why Changes to Mass. Zoning Variance Rules Are Such a Big Deal
More flexible standards and a new requirement to weigh the public benefits of new housing should be a benefit to developers working with difficult sites or towns with outdated zoning.
Solving the Commonwealth’s Housing Crisis Takes Ideas, Big and Small
The state’s 2027 budget included four important changes to how zoning works in Massachusetts – changes that should make permitting housing more straightforward.
Beacon Hill Won’t Go Big on Housing. But That’s Not the End of the Story
Hoping Beacon Hill will demolish NIMBY zoning in one grand bill? Consider the saying that insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results.
Faced with Crippling Housing Crisis, Beacon Hill Nibbles at the Edges
Despite promises of a “bold” housing bill this year, with less than a month left to go, state legislators look like they’re going for singles and doubles, not home runs when it comes to the housing crisis.
An Essential Housing Tool Is Hiding in Plain Sight: Massachusetts’ Redevelopment Authorities
Redevelopment authorities have special powers that would let them build or enable new, self-sustaining social housing. But they need Beacon Hill’s help to do so.
Fixing ADU Failings Could Pave Way for More Homebuilding
By standardizing rules for things like septic systems and setbacks, state legislators could also help revive our anemic single-family construction industry.
Researcher: ADUs Hobbled by Zoning ‘Puzzle No One Can Comprehend’
Massachusetts’ accessory dwelling unit success story is being stymied by inconsistent municipal regulations, a new report from The Boston Foundation argues.
This Essay Has Boston’s Real Estate Scene Talking About Texas
Boston and Austin cities could not be more different in how they have dealt with the crushing cost of housing, and the seriousness with which local pols take the issue.
Building More Housing Means Making Hard Choices. Momentum Zones Are a Start
Massachusetts permits some of the fewest numbers of homes in the nation, in part because we ask projects to do too much. Limited relief would get construction moving again.
Senate Tucks Small Zoning Reforms into Budget Proposal
Senate budget writers on Tuesday rolled out a $63.3 billion fiscal year 2027 spending plan that also advances modest housing reforms.
Attorneys Cheer Proposed Reforms to Site Plan Review
The bill would codify a process known as “site plan review” that housing advocates and real estate attorneys say has become the “Wild West” of land-use law.
Boston City Councilors Pitch Nixing Parking Requirements
In the face of collapsing housing construction and a painful budget crunch, two Boston city councilors say it’s time Boston stopped mandating how much parking housing developments build.
The Most Interesting Maps of Massachusetts You’ve Ever Seen
A new project from a Suffolk University team shows just how little residential land in Massachusetts is legally primed for multifamily development: just 4 percent.
Poll: Mass. Voters Want Legislature to Do More on Housing
A new poll suggests being pro-housing will be a winning strategy for Massachusetts state legislators this fall, but they’ll still face pressure from constituents to do more.
Is Town Meeting Really the Best Body to Vote on a Development’s Zoning?
Town meeting votes are so risky for developers, it locks Massachusetts out of large-scale housing production. What if we could fix that while keeping democratic accountability?
Why Realtors Want Every Agent to Get Fair Housing Training
Fair housing is not an abstract concept for Realtors. It is a professional obligation and public responsibility. But only a third of licensed agents are Realtors, leaving a big gap in fair housing protections.
There’s Still Hope for Mass. YIMBY Bill, Despite Zoning Reform Fatigue
There are only a few months left to pass a big zoning reform bill in Massachusetts. And so far, the bill has only gotten bigger.
Top Dem: Senate Ready to Make Run at ‘Bold’ Housing Policies
Senators are mulling over potential zoning and permitting reforms to incorporate into housing legislation this session.
Legalizing Starter Homes Is Not Radical. It’s Overdue
A question likely headed for the ballot this fall will speak volumes about who our housing system is designed to accommodate – and who it leaves behind.
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.
