Supporting pro-housing organizations and advocacy efforts across the state.
Providing data backed policy solutions to support the creation of affordable, workforce housing in Massachusetts.
Housing Forward-MA is a nonprofit research and education organization focused on developing and disseminating accurate data related to housing creation in Massachusetts and the broader economic impacts of housing supply and demand.
OUR MISSION
Housing Forward-MA develops data backed policies related to housing in Massachusetts and the broader economic impacts of housing supply and demand. By providing training, education, and model policy proposals our organization will support organizing and advocacy efforts for affordable, workforce housing across the state.
RECENT WORK
In the last few months, Housing Forward-MA has published a number of policy documents, researched cutting edge housing policies, and spoke at several events. Please click on the link below to see a more thorough update!
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RT @amandalitman: I love what @brianschatz is doing to push national Democrats forward on housing. We should be the party of building… https://t.co/iBJsMrnojN -
RT @JKriesberg: Thank you @RepTonyCabral for your wise leadership in this critical program. @CHAPAdotorg @AbundantHomesMA … https://t.co/l2Q3NTLAWm
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Thank you Senator @brianschatz: "And the solution is very simple, in fact. We need to make it legal to build housin… https://t.co/cUliGVBYMw
ZONING PRINCIPLES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
For Massachusetts to adequately address the urgent and growing need for affordable and middle-income housing, Housing Forward-MA supports zoning and land use policies according to these principles:
Equity and Economic Inclusion
We support policies that allow for more equitable and sustainable communities. Because overly restrictive land use regulation disproportionately excludes low-income people and people of color, we encourage policies that allow flexibility for new development to meet the needs of people with diverse backgrounds and incomes. To ameliorate racial and economic segregation - the result of deliberate policies like exclusionary zoning, racially restrictive covenants, and redlining - we promote policies that expand access to areas of opportunity for all.
Transit-Oriented Density
We encourage efficient land use policies near transportation hubs, allowing for greater density and reduced reliance on private cars. We support increasing the availability of housing options in walkable neighborhoods with access to transit. Not every household wants to or can afford to own a car; we believe that zoning requirements should recognize and help encourage the utilization of mass transit and other modes of shared mobility.
Expansion of Local Options
We support allowing a range of home choices across communities. We believe that cities and towns should be able to build housing that fits current and future needs of their community, without unnecessary restrictions. We support the creation of an abundant supply of homes that are affordable to rent or buy for households of various sizes and incomes, including housing that makes it easier for longtime residents to age in place in their community, along with access to supportive services, where feasible, for households that include seniors and those living with disabilities.
Addressing the Climate Crisis
We recognize that housing policy can in many ways be climate policy. We support land use regulation that respects existing green space and reduces sprawl. Further, we promote density as an effective tool for combating climate change. We encourage the expansion of opportunities for people to live closer to employment centers in order to decrease commutes and the resulting carbon emissions.
HOUSING POLICY FAQs
Curious about how increasing housing production can improve affordability? Unclear about how density relates to the environment or racial justice? Interested in how new market rate housing affects gentrification? Check out our FAQ page for more information!
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