Unlocking Housing Production Commission Releases Recommendations for Producing More Housing, Lowering Costs

Fresh off release of the state’s first comprehensive statewide housing plan, “A Home for Everyone,” the Unlocking Housing Production Commission (UHPC) has released its report, “Building for Tomorrow,” which provides over 50 recommendations to increase the supply of housing and lower costs for Massachusetts residents.

The Commission was established in January 2024 and is composed of housing policy experts, civic leaders, local officials, and labor representatives. The Commission was tasked with examining how state and local laws, regulations, and practices could be revised to increase the supply of housing and to provide recommendations to the Administration on potential reforms that would ensure Massachusetts can produce the housing necessary to meet growing demand. 2Life Communities, an member of the Massachusetts Health Aging Collaborative Executive Committee, was on the UHPC.

The Commission’s recommendations focus on four major themes:

1. Economic Incentives and Workforce Development

2. Land Use and Zoning

3. Regulations, Codes, and Permitting

4. Statewide Planning and Local Coordination.

Each thematic area includes a comprehensive overview of the current challenges hindering housing production, a set of targeted recommendations, an evaluation of the potential impact of the recommendations, and notes on prospective implementation.

Some of the recommendations specifically mention “seniors” as a population that would be impacted positively, were it to be implemented. Many other recommendations, although not specifically mentioning older adults, would benefit and support age-friendly communities. The full report may be a useful advocacy tool to communities and regions working to become more age-and dementia friendly.

 

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