Hingham, Mass.— Barrett Planning Group, a New England–based planning and community development firm, has announced a new partnership with the Metro North Regional Housing Services Office (MNRHSO) to advance affordable housing access across seven communities north of Boston.
Hosted by the Town of Reading, the MNRHSO serves Reading, North Reading, Wilmington, Wakefield, Stoneham, Saugus, and Woburn, supporting a combined total of approximately 4,400 deed-restricted affordable housing units. Through the collaboration, Barrett Planning Group will provide consulting and technical assistance designed to make the administration of local affordable housing programs more efficient and responsive for participating municipalities.
Barrett Planning Group’s scope of work includes monitoring affordable housing units, supporting residents with program-related inquiries, managing housing data and planning administration, and coordinating regional strategies among municipal leaders. The effort is being led by Alexis Lanzillotta, Principal Planner at Barrett Planning Group, with support from Elizabeth Rust, former director of Massachusetts’ first Regional Housing Services Office, and Alisa Zimmerman, Special Projects Manager at the firm.
“Our role is to provide technical assistance that enables these communities to navigate the complex landscape of affordable housing,” Lanzillotta said. “This structure allows municipalities to streamline procedures, share resources and expertise, and have a collective impact on regional housing needs.”
The collaboration is expected to continue through June 2026, with an option to extend for up to one additional year.
