BOSTON–Key housing legislation aimed at addressing Massachusetts’ housing shortage will remain firmly in place after multiple ballot initiatives seeking to weaken or repeal the MBTA Communities Act failed to gather enough signatures to advance, according to an announcement this week from Secretary of State Bill Galvin.
All four proposed ballot measures did not meet the required signature threshold, reinforcing what housing advocates say is strong and consistent voter support for policies that encourage new housing near public transit. The Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) hailed the outcome as a significant victory for housing production and long-term affordability across the Commonwealth.
“Massachusetts must build 220,000 new homes by 2035 to meet demand and stabilize housing prices, and the MBTA Communities Act is an essential part of achieving that goal,” said Rachel Heller, CEO of CHAPA. “The law will create more opportunities for people to buy their first homes, for seniors to downsize, and for teachers, firefighters, and small business owners to live in the communities they serve. We all benefit when people have choice in where they call home.”
Adopted in 2021 under then-Governor Charlie Baker, the MBTA Communities Act requires municipalities served by the MBTA to designate zoning districts that allow for multifamily housing by right. The goal is to promote smart growth by encouraging mid-scale housing—such as apartments and townhomes—near transit infrastructure.
Implementation of the law has gained widespread municipal support. To date, 93 percent of MBTA Communities—165 out of 177 municipalities—have adopted compliant zoning districts, according to state officials. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities reports that more than 6,000 new homes are already in the development pipeline as a direct result of the legislation.
Polling data further underscores the law’s popularity. A 2024 WBUR–Commonwealth Beacon poll found that 50 percent of respondents viewed the MBTA Communities Act as good policy, compared with 31 percent who opposed it. More recently, a survey conducted by MassINC and Abundant Housing Massachusetts showed that 79 percent of voters support building more homes near transit statewide.
“The residents of MBTA Communities whom we’ve worked alongside have consistently told us that housing is their number one issue,” said Lily Linke, CHAPA’s Director of Municipal Engagement. “The MBTA Communities Act allows municipalities to plan for the growth they need to meet demand where it makes sense for their unique circumstances.”
With ballot challenges now halted, housing advocates say the focus can remain on implementation and accelerating housing production. Supporters view the outcome as a clear signal that Massachusetts voters are ready to embrace solutions that address affordability, reduce displacement, and strengthen communities by aligning housing growth with transit access.
