Advocating For Opportunity
Citizens’ Housing & Planning Association (CHAPA) brings stakeholders together from across the industry — lenders, developers, municipalities, community groups, tenants, and more — to build consensus around equitable solutions to our Commonwealth’s affordable housing challenges.
Why CHAPA?
For over 50 years, CHAPA has brought people together to address Massachusetts’ critical housing needs—working to ensure that everyone has a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home in the communities they choose.
CHAPA has made great strides in solidifying a more equitable, accessible, and affordable Massachusetts through housing
– Andrew DeFranza, CHAPA President
CHAPA’s Programs
Policy Advocacy
Advancing state legislation to meet our state’s critical housing needs
Municipal Engagement Initiative
Supporting local coalitions to say yes to more affordable housing in their communities
Affordable Homeownership
Expanding access to affordable homeownership opportunities and furthering fair housing for all
Professional Development
Developing the housing field through events, training, and networking
Looking For Housing?
Latest News
Statewide Housing Plan Calls For 220,000 New Homes
A result of more than a year of engagement with stakeholders and the work of the Housing Advisory Committee, Governor Healey released A Home for Everyone: Massachusetts’ Statewide Housing Plan on February 6. A priority for CHAPA, the Affordable Homes Act included…
Governor Healey Releases FY2026 Budget Proposal
Today, Governor Healey unveiled her budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026. CHAPA is pleased that during what is shaping up to be a challenging fiscal year, this legislation largely maintains the Commonwealth’s commitment to investing in housing, with increases put forward for…
CHAPA Announces 2025-26 Priority State Legislation
Friday marked an important date in the new legislative session as it is the deadline for on-time filing of bills. Over the past several months, CHAPA has been working with stakeholders, policy makers, and legislators to develop a slate of priority…
CHAPA’s Statement on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Decision in Attorney General vs. Town of Milton
Today, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court released a landmark decision in Attorney General vs. Town of Milton that affirms the responsibility of every MBTA Community under the MBTA Communities Act to zone for multifamily housing. The decision also confirms that the Attorney General…
Upcoming Events
Success Stories
“With CHAPA’s monthly Making the Case Calls, they have created a supportive, informative, and encouraging environment. This growth and collaboration has enhanced our Town housing work and led to housing successes. I look forward to these meetings every month.”