Audrey Hettinger, MAR Local Policy Manager shared the significant housing demands we face in the years ahead in Massachusetts. Approximately 500,000 Millennial and Gen Z residents are expected to form new households, while the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers are projected to free up approximately 400,000 existing homes as their housing needs change.

The state added approximately 34,000 new homes in 2025, reaching about 15.6% of its statewide housing production goal. Production has been supported by the 2024 housing bond bill as well as projects delayed during the pandemic. Berkshire County was specifically called out for making notable progress. The region’s goal is 1,200 new housing units by 2035, with 291 units built by 2025 — already approximately 23% of that goal.

Several state initiatives are intended to increase housing production and homeownership opportunities, including MBTA Communities zoning, ADUs by right, expanded first-time buyer programs and homeownership tax credits. Approximately 1,000 ADU permits were approved statewide during the first year, and the state has identified 100 state-owned parcels that could potentially be repurposed for housing.

One message for REALTORS® was particularly clear: housing policy is increasingly decided at the local level, and REALTOR® participation matters.

Members were encouraged to attend planning and zoning hearings, participate in municipal master plan surveys, follow regional planning agencies, communicate with local planners and even consider serving on local boards. When housing proposals face local opposition, informed pro-housing voices can have a significant impact.