Governor Healey’s Economic Development Bill Hearing Set for July 2nd

This Thursday, July 2, the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets will hold a hearing on H.5527, the 2026 Economic Development Bill, also known as “Mass Wins.” This legislation is likely one of the last major bills that will be considered before the end of formal sessions at the end of July, and perhaps the best opportunity to pass significant housing policy.

In addition to its impact on people’s lives, health outcomes, and more, housing is a major economic driver for Massachusetts. High housing costs contribute to an outmigration of talent and an inability of employers to find workers to fill open jobs. It is vitally important that we address housing to ensure that the Commonwealth will thrive.

CHAPA calls on the Legislature to include three specific housing policies in Mass Wins that will help the state build the homes we need:

• Codify Site Plan Review
• Make it easier to build multi-family housing on land owned by religious institutions (Yes In God’s Back Yard – YIGBY)
• Reform municipal parking requirements

Information about how to submit written or verbal comments to the Bonding Committee is available on the Legislature’s website.