State
Legislation
For over 50 years, CHAPA has been an instrumental partner in furthering affordable housing policy across Massachusetts. Through collaboration with legislators, colleagues from across the housing field, and community advocates, CHAPA influences policies that foster equitable housing opportunities for all residents.
Sign up for CHAPA’s emails to stay up-to-date on housing policy developments or join a CHAPA committee to get involved.
CHAPA's Guiding Principles
People
Production
Planning
Preservation
Political Will
This Session's Priorities
During the 2025-2026 legislative session, CHAPA supports the following legislation:
People
- Codification of the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
- Updating the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) Statute
- Access to Counsel in Evictions
- Eliminating Mandatory Broker Fees for Tenants
- Establishing a Matched Savings Program
- Removing Void Restrictive Covenants
Production
- Yes In God’s Back Yard (YIGBY) to Allow Multi Family By-Right on Religiously-Owned Property
- Creating a Local Option Real Estate Transfer Fee
- Increasing the Deeds Excise Tax to Support Affordable Housing and Environmental Adaptation
- Creating an Interagency Supportive Housing Finance and Strategy Board
- Establishing a Housing Production Goal for Massachusetts
Preservation
- Creating a Commission to Examine Increasing Property Insurance Rates on Affordable Housing
- Establishing a Zero Carbon Renovation Fund
Planning
- Yes In My Back Yard (YIMBY) to Eliminate Barriers to Housing Production
- Promoting Affordable and Fair Housing Through Inclusive Zoning
- Establishing a Definition for Municipal Site Plan Review
- Mandating Training for Local Land Boards