Jan. 8, 2025 - “We enthusiastically welcome the Supreme Judicial Court's decision today to uphold the MBTA Communities Act and require the creation of multi-family zoning in communities that are served by transit. This decision, which also affirms the Attorney General’s ability to enforce the law, recognizes that we are in the midst of a severe housing crisis that requires municipal, regional, and state government to work together towards bold and creative solutions. Multi-family housing is a critical component to address our housing shortfalls. The Court’s affirmation of the MBTA Communities Act takes us one step closer to achieving a key goal of our regional plan, MetroCommon 2050, that households of all sizes and incomes have access to housing opportunities in each of our communities.

The decision requires the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to re-promulgate its guidelines according to procedural requirements. EOHLC anticipates releasing emergency draft regulations within the week, which will be followed by a public comment period.

MAPC congratulates the 100+ communities who have already achieved interim compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, and we look forward to working with those who are currently working towards compliance to ensure that the region is meeting its housing needs.”

– Marc Draisen, Executive Director; Lizzi Weyant, Deputy Executive Director; Andrea Harris-Long, Director of Land Use

Attorney General’s statement on the decision:
https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-campbell-issues-statement-on-victory-in-attorney-general-v-town-of-milton

Governor Healy’s statement on the decision:
https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-calls-sjc-ruling-on-mbta-communities-law-a-major-victory