Housing in Massachusetts local government
What Massachusetts city councils, county boards and school districts are deciding about housing — plain-English summaries written from official agendas and minutes, updated as meetings happen.
5,629 Massachusetts meetings since 2024 covered housing. Counts are directional — coverage varies by place and platform.
Places in Massachusetts with the most housing activity
- Nantucket County, MA (370)
- Easthampton, MA (192)
- Dennis, MA (184)
- Plymouth, MA (166)
- Wellesley, MA (157)
- Northampton, MA (157)
- Salem, MA (154)
- Worcester, MA (125)
- Carlisle, MA (122)
- Fitchburg, MA (120)
- Franklin Town, MA (111)
- Pittsfield, MA (106)
Latest matching meetings
Zoning Board to decide on 8 cases including subdivision withdrawal
The Taunton Zoning Board of Appeals will consider multiple requests for variances and special permits at this meeting. Items include a proposed withdrawal of a variance for a 5.45-acre subdivision, conversion of a single-family to two-family dwelling, renewal of an accessory dwelling unit, and several lot division…
Committee votes on funding for housing, open space, and historic projects
The Community Preservation Committee will discuss and vote on sponsoring warrant articles for the 2026 Spring Annual Town Meeting, including FY2027 Community Preservation Act fund appropriations, expenses, and project funding. They will also review the status of the preservation restriction agreement and building…
Discuss possible Local Initiative Project on Brian Tardif properties with state aid
The Essex Affordable Housing Trust will review a possible Local Initiative Project on the Brian Tardif properties, including collaboration with a private developer and state financial assistance. The board will receive an update on the Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw technical assistance grant. A town planner will present…
Malden Housing Authority to approve bills, invoices, and contracts
The Malden Housing Authority will hold a hybrid regular board meeting to approve minutes, bills, invoices, and contracts. The agenda includes a review of charitable requests, correspondence, and capital project documentation.
Planning Board reviews five special permit petitions for residential and commercial use
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to discuss special permit petitions for several properties. These include proposals for new multifamily housing and the conversion of existing structures. The board will also consider a request for illuminated signage.
Task force will discuss benefits, gaps, and design of a social housing program
The Cambridge Social Housing Joint Task Force will meet to review existing housing programs and discuss how a new social housing initiative could address identified gaps. Members will examine the benefits and challenges of current programs and consider how a social‑housing program would differ. The agenda includes a…
Planning Board to review multi-family complex proposal at 132 Chief Justice Cushing Highway
The Cohasset Planning Board will hold a virtual public hearing to discuss a site plan application. The proposal involves the construction of a 36,781-sf multi-family complex.
Planning Board to review multi-family complex proposal at 132 Chief Justice Cushing Highway
The Cohasset Planning Board will hold a virtual public hearing to conduct a Site Plan Review. The board is considering an application by Jonathan M. Silverstein for a residential development.
Committee reviews CPA awards, conservation and preservation restrictions
The Community Preservation Committee will review results from the 2026 Spring Annual Town Meeting, including Notice of Awards for Habitat for Humanity and the Playground & Recreation Committee. They will vote on FY2027 membership in the Community Preservation Coalition and reauthorization of CPA administrative…
Public meeting on 6 & 12-14 Church Hill St multi-family development
The Watertown Planning and Zoning Boards are holding a public information meeting required by the zoning ordinance to present the proposed 3‑story, 9‑unit multi‑family building with a ground‑floor parking garage at 6 & 12‑14 Church Hill Street. The project team will share site context, plans, and answer community…
Board to consider variance for new construction at 162 Otis Street
The Board of Zoning Appeal will hold a public hearing on two cases: a special permit for non-conforming curb cuts at 1 Corcoran Lane, and a variance for partial demolition and new construction at 162 Otis Street that would extend the building beyond allowed side setbacks. Both cases involve residential properties in…
ZBA continues hearing on 78-unit affordable housing project on Route 6A
The Zoning Board of Appeals is continuing a public hearing on a Comprehensive Permit (40B) application for a 78-unit affordable and moderate-income housing development at 66 & 76 Route 6A. The project includes rental and homeownership units and seeks multiple waivers from local zoning and subdivision regulations.
ZBA to hold public hearing on 116-unit rental project at 55 West Union Street
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a 40B Comprehensive Permit request for 55 West Union Street. The proposal involves a four-story elevator building on 4.9 acres. The board will also review meeting minutes from June 23 and July 14.
Dighton Housing Authority to review FY 2027 Annual Plan
The Dighton Housing Authority will meet to discuss the FY 2027 Annual Plan. The board will also review reports from the Executive Director, Treasurer, and Resident Services.
Committee to review two basement accessory dwelling unit applications
The Site Plan Review Committee will hold public hearings to consider site plan approval for two proposed accessory dwelling units. Both projects involve constructing units in the basements of existing single-family homes.
Planning Board to review zoning permits and house modifications
The Planning Board will hold a remote meeting to discuss several Zoning Board of Appeal cases and a large house review. The board will also address an inclusionary zoning special permit and discuss a Comprehensive Plan RFP.
Zoning Board to consider two single-family home reconstruction requests
The Braintree Zoning Board of Appeals will consider two petitions to demolish and reconstruct single-family homes on non-conforming lots. The board will also approve its 2027 meeting schedule and review minutes from the previous meeting.
Boards to vote on Seasonal Community Designation grant application
The Select Board, Affordable Housing Trust, and Planning Board are holding a joint meeting to discuss potential projects for a Seasonal Community Designation grant. The boards will vote on project approval and authorize Brett Roberts of the BRPC to submit the application.
Boards to vote on Seasonal Community Designation grant application
The Select Board, Affordable Housing Trust, and Planning Board are holding a joint meeting to discuss potential projects for a Seasonal Community Designation grant. The boards will vote on the projects and authorize BRPC Representative Brett Roberts to submit the application.
Boards to vote on Seasonal Community Designation grant application
The Select Board, Planning Board, and Affordable Housing Trust will meet jointly to discuss potential projects for a Seasonal Community Designation grant. The boards will vote on whether to approve these projects and authorize BRPC Representative Brett Roberts to submit the application.
Dartmouth Housing Authority to review balcony bids for Munroe Terrace
The Dartmouth Housing Authority will meet to discuss board reorganization and the FY 2027 Annual Plan. The board will review a bid log for balcony improvements at Munroe Terrace and a collection loss at Sol E Mar Lane.
Public hearing for house addition at 356 Atlantic Avenue
The Cohasset Conservation Commission will hold a remote public hearing regarding Notice of Intent 26-15. The commission is reviewing a proposal to build a rear house addition and install plantings at 356 Atlantic Avenue.
Affordable Housing Trust to discuss rehab funding for Inman Square Apartments
The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust and Community Preservation Committee will meet to review minutes and discuss the use of Community Preservation Act funds. The body will consider a request for $4,244,897 to assist with the rehabilitation of Inman Square Apartments and CAST I & II.
GHA to vote on 2026-2027 Annual Plan and minutes
The Gardner Housing Authority will vote to accept its Annual Plan for 2026-2027 and approve minutes from previous meetings. The agenda also includes updates on capital improvement projects and staff reports.
Attleboro Housing Authority to hold Annual Plan Hearing
The Attleboro Housing Authority will conduct a virtual Annual Plan Hearing followed by a Board of Commissioners meeting. The board will consider the approval of meeting minutes and a check warrant.
Housing Authority will vote on the Annual Plan submission
The North Attleborough Housing Authority meeting on July 23, 2026 will address several agenda items. Routine consent items include approving the June 2026 minutes and reviewing the RSC Report and the Executive Director’s Modernization Report. New business items cover a Poulin request for closeout with wage reports, a…
Economic Development Subcommittee to discuss 'New Growth' tax impacts
The subcommittee will hold a discussion and Q&A session with the Franklin Board of Assessors regarding 'New Growth.' The meeting will cover how new construction, specifically apartment developments, affects the town's assessed value and tax revenue.
Special permit to convert 283 Main St. horse barn into animal rescue
The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals will consider three special permit applications: an accessory apartment and garage at 213 Ipswich Road, an additional garage bay at 29 Berry Patch Lane, and the conversion of a horse barn at 283 Main Street into an animal rescue. The board will also discuss the Ingalls Village Way…
Major site plan review for 18‑20 Country Way in Greenbush Village Center
The Scituate Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a major site‑plan administrative review for 18‑20 Country Way in the Greenbush Village Center subdistrict, requesting immediate continuance. The board will also review a site‑plan for 13 Ford Place and an accessory dwelling unit site‑plan for 75 Norwell Avenue…
Harborlight Homes project seeks 53 affordable homes and a 70‑bed shelter
The Salem Planning Board will hold continuance public hearings on several development applications. Items include Harborlight Homes' mixed‑use project on Margin and Endicott Streets, a 145‑unit adaptive‑reuse plan on Harrison Road, permit amendments for a multi‑site project on Lafayette and Peabody Streets, and a…
LGBTQ+ Commission discusses Fair Housing Ordinance definition update
The Commission is reviewing updates to the Gender Inclusion Ordinance and a proposed definition of sexual orientation for the Fair Housing Ordinance. Members are also coordinating upcoming community events and working group reports.
Committee votes to reorganize chair, vice chair, and clerk positions
The Plymouth Community Preservation Committee will consider several items at its July 23, 2025 meeting. Members are expected to vote on reorganizing the committee’s chair, vice chair, and clerk positions. The agenda also includes review of FY27 grant applications, a discussion and vote on appraisals for a site off…
Design review of Smart Growth Overlay for 53 affordable homes and a 70‑bed shelter
The Design Review Board and Planning Board will review a Smart Growth Overlay District proposal for sites at 56 Margin Street, 54 Margin Street, 7 High Street, 20 Endicott Street, and 24 Endicott Street. The project calls for demolishing two buildings, adaptively reusing another, preserving a facade, and constructing…
Planning Board reviews special permit for mixed‑use building at 55 Tilton Ave
The Ashland Planning Board will hear two public hearings: a site‑plan and design‑plan review for a bank expansion at 2 West Union Street, and a special permit and site‑plan review for a three‑floor mixed‑use building with fourteen apartments at 55 Tilton Avenue. The board will also consider items on its task list, the…
Historic District Commission reviews changes to Mt. Auburn St. properties
The Commission will hold public hearings regarding two properties on Mt. Auburn St. The body will consider requests for certificates of appropriateness for window removals and residential development changes.
Attleboro Housing Authority reviews FY2027 Annual Plan
The Attleboro Housing Authority holds a public hearing to review and accept public comments on its Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027. The plan covers capital improvements, maintenance, operating budget, and policy waivers. Residents and the public can submit comments orally or in writing.
Board to decide on 95-unit affordable housing development at 27 Kimball Road
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold hearings on a variance for a new home at 136 Haverhill Road, a finding for an addition at 10 Portsmouth Road, a continued variance and special permit to convert a home to two-family at 253 Main Street, and a continued comprehensive permit for a 95-unit cottage rental development…
Affordable Housing Trust to discuss Five-Year Action Plan
The Wellesley Affordable Housing Trust Board of Trustees will meet remotely to review meeting minutes. The board will also discuss and vote on a draft Five-Year Action Plan with JM Goldson.
Select Board to review temporary sign regulations and approve liquor licenses
The Select Board will review and approve regulations and permit applications for temporary signs in the public way. The board is also considering several one-day liquor and entertainment licenses and multiple board appointments.
Nantucket Housing Authority to review July 2026 bills and payroll
The Nantucket Housing Authority will meet to approve the July 2026 warrant for bills and payroll. The board will also review the minutes from June 24, 2026, and receive a report from the Executive Director.