Friends,

What a start to 2026! Last year, many of us worked hard to make sure housing growth was on the state’s action agenda and already in January, we’ve seen it remains the number one issue for our state and local leaders.

Governor's State of the Commonwealth

In her State of the Commonwealth address, Governor Healey took bold steps to ease our housing crisis and create more reasonably priced housing throughout the Commonwealth. Just some of the highlights:

MassHousing will provide expanded direct support for first-time homebuyers and to offset mortgage interest rates to build on already popular and impactful state programs that provide real relief for Massachusetts families.

The state will invest an additional $25 million for down payment assistance, which will help 1,000 more borrowers buy their first home in Massachusetts this year.

And the state is committing new resources to lower mortgage rates for all residents purchasing a first home with MassHousing mortgages rates that will save the average homebuyer more than $42,000 over the life of their mortgage.

Faster, Easier Thorough Environmental Review

Governor Healey filed reforms this month implementing a new streamlined environmental review process that will make it faster, simpler and more predictable to build housing in the Commonwealth.

When projects move faster, costs go down. Being able to shorten timelines of review from years to just 30 days means more housing built in Massachusetts.

Our partner Jesse Kanson-Benanav at Abundant Housing Massachusetts said it best:

“Lengthy and cumbersome approval processes have been one of the greatest obstacles to building the homes residents need and driving up the cost of new homes for everyone. With these improved regulations, we are one step closer to providing safe, affordable housing for generations of Massachusetts residents.”

Eviction Protection for Federal Workers

Earlier this month, Governor Healey signed provisions in a closeout state budget which included a provision that protects federal workers following a shutdown for at least 30 days and up to 75 days at the discretion of the Governor.

“We have thousands of federal employees in Massachusetts, and their housing stability shouldn’t be threatened when the federal government shuts down,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re thankful for the advocacy of Senator (Lydia) Edwards for her continued leadership advocating for people’s housing rights in Massachusetts.”

It’s a great start to 2026 for our housing champions – time to keep up the momentum!

[email protected]

One Commonwealth, Inc.
202 Bonham Road
Dedham, MA 02026
United States

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