Planning 101 Blog – Page 2

Cool Communications

Posted on June 9, 2026 at 9:45 am. Written by Amanda Linehan

Building heat resilience means building effective communication networks, so you can reach people before the next heat wave hits. Awareness of extreme heat, its impacts, and what people and decision-makers […]

Extreme Heat 101

Posted on June 8, 2026 at 9:13 am. Written by Amanda Linehan

Over the last couple of decades, heat-related deaths have risen dramatically in the U.S. even though they are largely preventable. Extreme heat can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, […]

Shannon Grant Community Safety Day on the Hill 2026

Posted on April 21, 2026 at 1:50 pm. Written by Georgia Barlow

On April 14, 2026 violence prevention leaders, law enforcement, elected officials, and youth from across the Commonwealth gathered at the Massachusetts State House for the annual Community Safety Day on […]

MARPA Gathers for District Local Technical Assistance Day at the State House

Posted on March 10, 2026 at 1:02 pm. Written by Amanda Linehan

March 5, 2026 – Executive directors and staff representing the Commonwealth’s 13 Regional Planning Agencies gathered for a day of advocacy at the State House to brief lawmakers and staff […]

House Energy Affordability Bill Summary H.5175

Posted on March 5, 2026 at 11:23 am. Written by Amanda Linehan

House Energy Affordability Bill Summary H.5175 Questions? Contact the MAPC Government Affairs Department: Norman Abbott ([email protected]) and Georgia Barlow ([email protected]) On February 25th, the House Committee on Ways and Means […]

MMC Regional Housing Task Force – Tracking Progress to 2030 Housing Production Goal

Posted on March 3, 2026 at 1:04 pm. Written by Amanda Linehan

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) has released its annual update on permitting activity throughout the Metro Mayors Coalition (MMC), part of the effort to track progress towards the […]

Update on FY2027 Budget Summary

Posted on March 2, 2026 at 10:25 am. Written by Amanda Linehan

Update on the FY27 Budget Questions? Contact the MAPC Government Affairs Department: Norman Abbott ([email protected]) and Georgia Barlow ([email protected]) On January 28th, Governor Healey filed her FY27 budget recommendations. The […]

MAPC Seeks Industry Input on Regional Offsite Housing Manufacturing Strategy

Posted on February 19, 2026 at 12:42 pm. Written by Amanda Linehan

Photo Credit: AdobeStock_861131585 The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) as part of its Greater Boston Regional Offsite Construction Strategy, funded through the […]

The Need for Detailed Data on our Existing Affordable Housing Stock

Posted on December 16, 2025 at 11:12 am. Written by Tim Viall

The Need for Detailed Data on our Existing Affordable Housing Stock By Adam Ploetz, AICP, Manager of Housing & Neighborhood Development, and Emma Battaglia, Senior Housing and Land Use Planner […]

What is Joint Rule 10? Priority Legislation Reaches an Important Step

Posted on December 3, 2025 at 10:18 am. Written by Tim Viall

What is Joint Rule 10? Priority Legislation Reaches an Important Step By MAPC’s Government Affairs Team December 3, 2025 – Joint Rule 10 is when (almost) all Joint Committees in […]