Massachusetts lawmakers negotiate housing reforms to meet 222,000-home target

Confronted with a shortage that demands 222,000 additional homes by 2035, Massachusetts legislators are advancing housing reforms embedded in their economic-development bills. A conference committee is debating measures such as the “Yes in God’s Backyard” provision, which would allow faith-based owners to develop up to four acres of multifamily housing with a share reserved for low-income families. The Senate bill would also grant the right to construct duplexes on any residentially zoned parcel, subject only to reasonable local rules.

Both bills propose a uniform 90-day site-plan review system to replace disparate municipal processes, aiming to cut delays and costs. Additional incentives include $50 million in grants for participating towns and an expanded Housing Development Incentive Program. While housing advocates view the package as meaningful progress, some municipalities express concerns about overdevelopment and rising construction costs.