Crowds of housing advocates, lawmakers and local officials packed the reception hall at Newton’s Golda Meir House Tuesday morning as the Gov. Maura Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act into law.
“It’s a great morning for Massachusetts, because today we are signing the largest investment in housing in our state’s history,” Healey said to thunderous applause.
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller introduced Healey, remarking on the governor’s “unwavering commitment, razor-sharp clarity and courageous leadership.”
“And she has led us in creating the housing we need,” Fuller said. “If our young parents, our older residents, our students graduating from colleges and universities, and our teachers and police officers cannot find or afford housing, then our commonwealth cannot thrive.”
“We’re a great state with so much going for us, but fundamentally, we know we need housing,” Healey said.
The Affordable Homes Act aims to create tens of thousands of homes and authorizes more than $5 billion in funding to support initiatives in communities statewide to reduce housing costs.
The new law requires communities to allow accessory dwelling units by right.
You can read the details of the Affordable Homes Act here.