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
CHAPA Comments on EOHLC’s Draft Starter Home Zoning Regulations
In June, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) released draft regulations regarding the Commonwealth’s Starter Home Zoning Districts Program (the “Program”). The Program was originally part of the Smart Growth Zoning statute, G.L. c. 40R, but the…
Governor Healey Enacts Major Reform to End Mandatory Renter-Paid Broker Fees in Massachusetts
Starting today, August 1, a new statewide policy included in the FY2026 budget and signed by Governor Maura Healey prohibits landlords from charging tenants broker’s fees when the broker was hired by the landlord. Tenants are only responsible for such…
CHAPA Statement on HUD Plans to Restrict Housing Aid
Last week, ProPublica reported that the Trump Administration is considering two major rule changes to federal housing programs that could deprive countless families of housing assistance and put them at risk of homelessness. Both changes would have to undergo a public comment…
CHAPA’s new Massachusetts Housing Leadership Academy to equip local leaders with skills to tackle housing challenges
Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) opened applications for its new Massachusetts Housing Leadership Academy, a six-month fellowship designed to empower local officials with the knowledge, skills, and network to create more homes for people of all ages, incomes, and…
2025 Greater Boston Housing Report Card Released: New Findings from the Boston Foundation, Boston Indicators, and BU
This week, the Boston Foundation, Boston Indicators, and Boston University released the 2025 Greater Boston Housing Report Card , offering a detailed look at how the region’s housing market is changing and where challenges remain. The report indicates that while…
Hundreds of industry leaders convene for solutions to Massachusetts’s housing shortage at CHAPA’s Summit
Over 400 housing leaders from across the Commonwealth, including Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, and Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus, convened yesterday to shape how the Commonwealth can boost our housing production and…
CHAPA Applauds Attorney General Campbell’s Enforcement of the MBTA Communities Act
On Tuesday, July 14, Attorney General Andrea Campbell issued a legal advisory informing MBTA Communities of the next steps her office will take to enforce the MBTA Communities Act. Although the final regulatory deadline to adopt compliant zoning has now…
Federal Government Enacts Taxing and Spending Bill
On July 4th, the federal government enacted a taxing and spending bill (the “Bill”) that will have enormous consequences for the American public. The top-line view of the legislation is that it expands and enacts tax cuts that will add…
Governor Healey Signs FY2026 Budget: Housing Investments Move Forward, but HCEC Funding Faces Veto
Governor Maura Healey has signed Massachusetts’ $61 billion FY2026 budget, which includes significant housing investments and policy reforms aimed at improving affordability and strengthening housing stability. Overall, the budget maintains or modestly increases funding for key programs, including a boost…
Jacob Love to bolster policy team, pro-housing advocacy reach for CHAPA as general counsel
On June 30th, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) added Jacob Love to their growing team as general counsel for policy. In this new role, Jacob will work with CHAPA’s policy team to shape and implement CHAPA’s policy agenda, advise…
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.”