Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is spearheading a new initiative to simplify and reduce the costs of building accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, throughout the state. These structures, also known as granny flats or in-law apartments, are small living spaces that share the lot with a primary residence. Governor Healey's Affordable Homes Act has paved the way for by-right construction of ADUs in single-family zoning districts, providing a boost to housing production and affordability. In support of this initiative, the state has seen close to 900 ADU applications since the law came into effect, signaling a positive response from communities looking for housing solutions.
With the launch of three new initiatives, Governor Healey's administration aims to further assist homeowners in designing, financing, and building these units. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is gearing up to kick off its ADU Design Challenge on December 15. The goal is to provide easily accessible, high-quality ADU designs that homeowners can use at no cost, thus reducing upfront expenses and promoting compliance. On the finance side, MassHousing will strategically dedicate a portion of its $20 million fund to introduce affordable ADU construction loans next year, targeting low- and moderate-income homeowners.
In a statement released by the Massachusetts government website, Governor Healey explained the significance of the initiative, stating, "ADUs are an effective tool for increasing housing production and lowering costs across the state. They offer opportunities for people to age independently near their loved ones, people with disabilities to stay close to their parents, and young adults to start saving to buy a home."
The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) is backed by $10 million from the Governor's fiscal 2026-2030 Capital Investment Plan, which aims to help homeowners navigate the predevelopment and construction process of ADUs. The MHP also plans to hold stakeholder information sessions this January with full program implementation expected in the spring of 2026. Similarly, Eastern Bank Foundation, the Boston Foundation, AIA Massachusetts, and MHP have teamed up to sponsor the ADU Design Challenge, with prize funding estimated to amount to $60,000 - $70,000. According to the same state's government release, design winners are set to be announced in late April of the following year.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration's focus on housing issues extends beyond the ADU campaign. Initiatives like the conversion of state-owned vacant land into housing, adaptations of commercial spaces to residential use, and significant increases in housing credits have contributed to the development of over 90,000 homes since the governor took office.
