Ask your Representative to protect and strengthen housing in the Economic Development bill (H.5562)!

The House Committee on Ways and Means has released its version of the 2026 Economic Development bill (H.5562), a $425.1 million package the House plans to take up this Wednesday. This is one of the last major bills expected to pass before the legislative session ends this month and one of the best remaining opportunities to advance significant housing policy this year!

The bill already includes major housing wins:

  • Allows multifamily housing as of right on land owned by religious institutions (Yes In God’s Back Yard, or YIGBY)

  • Codifies and streamlines a state framework for site plan review

  • Supports the conversion of commercial properties into new multifamily and mixed-use housing

  • Adds $120 million in housing grants, including $50 million to help municipalities convert commercial properties into homes, $50 million to remediate former state-owned buildings for housing, and $20 million for a veterans housing initiative

There are several additional amendments that CHAPA is advocating to be included in the final bill:

  • Removes the notice to quit and a utility shutoff notice as prerequisites for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) eligibility

  • Establishes a special commission on affordable housing insurance

  • Creates a matched-savings program for households at or below 80% of the area median income

  • Strengthens fair housing enforcement in real estate

Creating new homes and preserving the affordable housing opportunities we already have are both crucial to the state’s economic development. High housing costs drive talent out of Massachusetts and make it harder for employers to fill jobs and remain competitive. Spending most of a household’s income on increasing housing costs also means impossible decisions for people—often between food, medical care, other necessities, and rent—and less choice in where they want to live.

Contact your State Representative TODAY using this form and ask them to 1) co-sponsor and support CHAPA’s priority housing amendments and to 2) protect the housing reforms already in H.5562, including YIGBY and site plan review!