Massachusetts is investing in its future, with the Healey-Driscoll Administration announcing a massive $33.5 million infusion aimed at bolstering housing, infrastructure, and economic development projects across the state. The funding, sourced from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, will touch lives in 52 communities, from bustling urban centers to quieter rural landscapes. The state is also refining its Housing Choice Initiative, adding a Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation to the mix, opening up the possibility of state recognition and resources for communities often overlooked.
"From our smallest hill towns to our Gateway Cities and regional hubs, we are listening to local leaders and making sure they have the resources they need to deliver for their residents," Governor Maura Healy said in a statement released by the Massachusetts government. This holistic approach hints at the administration's pledge to not only provide funding but also to acknowledge and underpin policies that enable new housing ventures.
Focused on aiding projects that serve low- and moderate-income individuals, this year's CDBG awards span from housing rehabilitation to social services like food security and homeless prevention. Recipients of the grants include diverse communities, indicating the program's range and adaptability. "This year’s CDBG awards will fund housing rehabilitation, street and sidewalk upgrades, planning work and vital social services in dozens of communities," shared Ed Augustus, Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, as reported by the state's official website. Acknowledging that smaller towns confront different challenges, the administration is tailoring criteria to assist these municipalities in securing Housing Choice recognition and benefiting from corresponding grant programs.
The state's new philosophy will see a shift starting in 2026, with the Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community (RST–HCC) designation offering a more reachable pathway for smaller communities to gain state support by marrying housing development with a reduced number of required best practices. For instance, a rural community that has enhanced its housing stock by at least 3% over the past five years will qualify with just eight best practice requirements. The aim is to elevate the number of participants from 77 in 2025 to an estimated 90 to 96 after the 2026 designation round, according to the Massachusetts government.
This commitment from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to recognize and support the various needs of Massachusetts' communities represents a keen understanding that prosperity does not come from a one-size-fits-all approach. With 2026 on the horizon, municipalities are poised to apply for the enhanced Housing Choice and RST-HCC designations, which could fuel further growth and strengthen the state's social fabric well into the future.
