This week, the Massachusetts Senate will debate its economic development bill, S.3178. This legislation includes policies that will help create the homes Massachusetts needs to thrive and is one of the last major bills expected to pass before the legislative session ends this month. This is one of the best remaining opportunities to advance significant housing policy this year!

The bill already includes major housing wins, such as:

• Allowing duplexes as-of-right in all residentially zoned areas;
• Codifying site plan review to make the process predictable, timely, and clear; and
• Incentivizing local communities to convert under-utilized commercial properties for residential use.

CHAPA is also advocating for several additional amendments to be included in the final bill, detailed below.

Please reach out to your state senator, asking them to support proposed amendments to the bill that would:

• Create a Matched Savings Program to help people with low incomes save for a down payment on a home;
• Reform municipal parking requirements to help facilitate construction near transit;
• Improve upstream access to the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program;
• Make it easier to build homes on smaller lots; and
• Codify the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP).

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 senator TODAY using this form and ask them to support CHAPA’s priority housing amendments!