CHAPA joins the push to legalize starter homes across Massachusetts and unlock more housing opportunities
Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) today announced its endorsement of Yes on Question 7, the November 3 statewide ballot question concerning single-family homes on smaller residential lots. Question 7 would require municipalities to allow a single-family home on a residentially zoned lot of at least 5,000 square feet with access to public water and sewer service. If enacted, the starter homes ballot initiative could result in an estimated 2,200 to 5,700 net new homes per year, providing much-needed missing middle housing for residents and young people unable to compete with market prices.
“Massachusetts needs more housing options for people at different stages of life and at different price points,” said Eric Shupin, chief executive officer of CHAPA. “Question 7 would remove one barrier to creating more homes in communities that already have residential zoning and public infrastructure. Allowing single-family homes on smaller lots will make housing more affordable and help more people become homeowners, allow seniors to downsize, college kids to return to their hometowns, and communities to become stronger.”
For CHAPA, the rare ballot initiative endorsement reflects its work to ensure everyone in Massachusetts has a safe, affordable, and welcoming place to call home in the communities they choose. The organization said that allowing additional housing types and smaller lots can complement the many strategies needed to address housing availability and affordability in the Commonwealth.
“This campaign is an urgent effort to rein in out-of-control housing costs, expand opportunities for homeownership, and better meet the housing needs of young families, downsizing seniors, and first-time buyers,” said Andrew Mikula, chair of the Legalize Starter Homes ballot committee. “We’re honored to have the support of CHAPA, which has already put in decades of valuable work helping make housing more attainable and affordable for Massachusetts residents.”
Question 7 is one of nine statewide questions appearing on the November 3, 2026, Massachusetts ballot. For more information on the Yes on 7 campaign, please visit LegalizeStarterHomes.com.