This week, Secretary of State Bill Galvin announced that all four proposed ballot measures seeking to weaken or repeal the MBTA Communities Act did not receive enough signatures to advance, providing more evidence of Massachusetts voters’ strong support for creating more homes near transit. Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) celebrates this milestone as a victory that will ensure the continued efficacy of this landmark housing law and as another strong indication that Massachusetts voters are committed to taking action to solve the Commonwealth’s housing shortage.
“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, CHAPA’s chief executive officer. “The MBTA Communities Act 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.”
An overwhelming majority of 93%—165 out of 177—MBTA Communities have adopted districts to comply with the law, creating opportunities for new homes near transit. According to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, over 6,000 new homes are already in the development pipeline as a result of this law.
Despite unsuccessful ballot campaigns and legal challenges, the MBTA Communities Act has consistently enjoyed widespread popularity among Massachusetts voters. In a 2024 poll conducted by WBUR and Commonwealth Beacon, 50% of respondents said the law is good policy, while only 31% said it is not. Furthermore, a recent poll from MassINC and Abundant Housing Massachusetts found that 79% 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.”
Signed into law by then-Governor Charlie Baker in 2021, the MBTA Communities Act requires all municipalities served by the MBTA to designate an area where property owners can legally build apartments, townhomes, and other types of mid-scale multifamily housing.