Earlier today, the Chamber submitted testimony on proposed changes to Chapter 40B at a hearing of the Joint Committee on Housing. 

The Chamber opposes any legislative measure aimed at diminishing the intent of the statute or its ability to impact our state’s affordable housing stock. 

Despite the recent “softening” of real estate market, Massachusetts continues to experience an unprecedented affordability crisis leading many of our best and brightest to relocate to other regions of the country.  Viable housing options will continue to elude many of our residents- especially recent graduates and young families – unless we address the fundamental supply-demand imbalance that persists in the marketplace.

Chapter 40B remains one of the most valuable tools this state has to encourage more communities to do their share with respect to affordable housing production.   Since its enactment in 1969, Chapter 40B has responsible for the development of tens of thousands of housing units and remains an essential ingredient for promoting development of workforce housing sufficient to sustain and grow our economy.  

By preserving this powerful tool that continues to boost housing production across the Commonwealth, we can begin to address our region’s greatest competitive disadvantage while enhancing our ability to attract & retain talented workers and improving the quality of life of those who live and work here.