Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has recently bolstered support for communities across the state that grapple with housing demands due to seasonal fluctuations. Under the governor's directive, 18 more municipalities have been designated as Seasonal Communities — a move that unlocks a suite of support measures and grant funding geared towards alleviating housing pressures, as reported by the Massachusetts government. This designation, stemming from the 2024 Affordable Homes Act, recognizes these communities' unique challenges and aims to offer targeted solutions.
Among other benefits, designated towns gain access to tools for acquiring deed restrictions for year-round housing, development preferences for municipal workers, and the establishment of Year-Round Housing Trust Funds. Particularly, the counties of Dukes and Nantucket, along with specific municipalities in Barnstable and Berkshire counties, were initially identified for automatic designation. Subsequently, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) has expanded this list to include additional towns identified through housing and short-term rental data analysis. "These cities and towns are more than just vacation destinations, and the entire region feels it when year-round residents can't afford to stay in the communities they serve," Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll elucidated in a statement released by the Massachusetts government.
The HLC isn't just stopping at designations. They are also accepting applications for the new Seasonal Communities Grant Program. This initiative aims to underwrite planning work, housing activities, and infrastructure projects, which fortify the development of year-round housing. It is a concerted effort to ensure these communities maintain their social tapestry, by accommodating the living needs of teachers, first responders, and other essential workers, as explained by Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus.
In total, the Affordable Homes Act and related policies of the Healey-Driscoll Administration have set in motion the creation or development of over 90,000 new homes since Governor Healey's tenure began. Immediate relief measures, such as simplified processes for building accessory dwelling units and the abolition of forced renter-paid broker fees, are part of a broader push to make housing more affordable for Massachusetts residents. By channeling more funds into affordable housing projects, public housing, and rental vouchers, Governor Healey is working to ease the state's housing cost burden, an objective reinforced by her pledge to support these distinctive communities throughout the seasons.
