Healey's $4.1B Housing Push Aims to Tackle Affordable Housing Crisis

Governor Maura Healey's administration has proposed a comprehensive funding bill aimed at addressing the housing crisis in Massachusetts. The bill includes 28 policy changes and $4.12 billion in funding for affordable housing programs, with the potential to create over 40,000 new homes over five years. Key provisions of the bill include the option for cities and towns to enact a transfer tax on high-dollar real estate sales, as well as statewide zoning rules allowing for Accessory Dwelling Units. The bill faces opposition from local governments and the real estate industry, but advocates argue that it would generate much-needed funding for affordable housing and help alleviate the housing shortage in the state.