The Healey-Driscoll Administration released the initial results of Massachusetts’ first comprehensive statewide housing plan to increase housing production, meet the unique needs of communities and lower costs across the state. “A Home for Everyone: A Comprehensive Housing Plan for Massachusetts” was developed in consultation with the Housing Advisory Council, which Governor Maura Healey established by Executive Order when she filed the Affordable Homes Act. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll served as Chair of the Council and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus was Vice Chair.
The plan, which includes an in-depth analysis of the state’s housing needs, also identifies strategies for increasing production, preserving and upgrading existing housing, supporting individuals and families struggling with homelessness and using housing as a way to create economic mobility for all Massachusetts residents. It provides both a statewide perspective as well as data and strategies specific to each region in the state, including an analysis of each region’s housing needs over the next 10 years. The report identifies that the state needs to increase its year-round housing supply by at least 222,000 units from 2025 to 2035 to stay competitive and lower costs. Every region of the state needs more homes in order to reach this statewide target.
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, in partnership with the Housing Advisory Council, engaged with more than 3,000 people in developing the plan. That included 14 regional listening sessions held throughout the state last year. The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative and many of its state and local partners participated in the engagement process.
The Statewide Housing Needs Assessment has an entire section on older adult households and older adults are mentioned throughout the plan.
Many of the strategies in the plan are already underway as part of the Affordable Homes Act, which is expected to create or preserve 65,000 housing units. One key part of the bill allows for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right. ADUs are sometimes called tiny homes or in-law suites, and this provision is expected to result in 8,000-10,000 new ADUs across the state. The bill also creates the Momentum Fund, a new revolving fund to be used to increase development of mixed-income multifamily housing.
A full digital version of the plan will be launched in the spring and will include an interactive resource center and production tracking guide where we can assess the impact of our investments and movement in the market. The Healey-Driscoll Administration today released the initial results of Massachusetts’ first comprehensive statewide housing plan to increase housing production, meet the unique needs of communities and lower costs across the state.