MetroCommon 2050
Greater Boston's long-range regional plan
Metropolitan Boston is home to a vibrant, diverse population of 3.4 million. We’re a hub of innovation and tradition, of learning and culture, of sports, of history, of medicine – and that just scratches the surface. We also face big challenges, including the cost of housing, racial inequity, and a changing climate. MetroCommon 2050 is a road map for meeting those challenges. And for launching the region into a more equitable and resilient future.
MetroCommon is a land-use and policy plan designed to be used. It looks at how issues affect residents and workers throughout our region of 101 cities and towns. It offers actionable policy recommendations and useful research and tools. And every aspect of the plan, from goals to analysis, has been vetted by people who live here, very much including people from historically marginalized communities.
MetroCommon was adopted by the Council in the fall of 2021. The plan lives on an interactive website:
Welcome to MetroCommon 2050 - Metropolitan Area Planning Council (mapc.org)
Below you will find information on the plan's Action Areas, Highlights of the Recommendations, and the opportunity to access each of the plan's chapters.
To request a presentation and discussion, please email Eric Hove ([email protected]).
New MetrocCommon 2050 Speaker Series Webpage
We are excited to announce the relaunch of the MetroCommon 2050 Speaker Series (since prior to COVID-19). Visit the Speaker Series webpage to learn about upcoming events, and to get information about past events.
Action Areas
The intent of MetroCommon 2050, is to make our region more equitable and sustainable. To achieve this, the region will need to grapple with five systemic problems. Because these interrelated topics will require sustained action and substantive change, we’re calling them "Action Areas."
The Action Areas describe the systemic problems we are facing. They provide context for where and why the recommendations seek to make change.
Inclusive Growth and Mobility
The ways we get around in Greater Boston – and where and how we grow – has profound effects. How do we manage land use and transportation for the benefit of all?
Homes for Everyone
Greater Boston’s housing crisis devastates the cost-burdened, hurts the region’s quality of life, and weakens its economic competitiveness. How do we create more places to live, and protect against displacement?
Equity of Wealth and Health
Disparities in health and wealth associated with race are not unique to Greater Boston, but they harm everyone. How do we close and redress these gaps – at a structural level?
Representative Government
Greater Boston has a long, proud history of local control. But some challenges – like housing and climate – know no borders. How do our municipalities become more effective – and more inclusive?
Climate Change, Resiliency
Climate change is already altering our lives, and this will only intensify. How can we mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects now, to be better off by 2050?
MetroCommon 2050 Chapters
- Values and Commitments
- Equity Statement
- Action Areas
- Goals
- Scenario Planning
- Research
- Community Engagement Summary
- Acknowledgements