News Releases

BOSTON – A landmark zoning reform bill several decades in the making has been favorably reported out of committee, calling for substantial changes to the way Massachusetts cities and towns promote and review development across the state.

The legislation, the “Comprehensive Land Use Reform and Partnerships Act” – or CLURPA – consolidates and reorganizes current zoning law, making it easier for cities and towns to breathe new life into their downtowns and residential areas, while promoting sustainable and responsible development.

BOSTON – Cities and towns across Eastern Massachusetts can install bicycle parking racks in their communities at almost no cost this year, as part of a special reimbursement program administered by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC).

MAPC, the regional planning agency for 101 cities and towns in Greater Boston, has more than $475,000 in funding still available for local governments to bring bike parking into town centers, schools and other areas this year.

BOSTON, MA — Video games have the power to lower barriers to participation in the urban planning process, according to the results of a project that kicked off last week in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood.

Although video games are typically thought of as “just for fun,” last week more than 50 Chinatown-area community members gathered to play “Participatory Chinatown,” an immersive 3D video game that puts residents in the driver’s seat as they shape the future of their neighborhood.

BOSTON — The deadline has been extended for entering the first annual photo contest sponsored by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC).

Local photographers are invited to enter the first annual MAPC photo contest, which seeks entries that capture the themes of sustainability, equity, community, and prosperity in the Greater Boston region.

Entries will be accepted now through May 20, 2010 at 11:59 p.m.