Over the last three years, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation has written extensively on the relationship between pandemic-induced changes in working patterns, diminished vibrancy in our downtowns, and the lack of accessible and affordable housing convenient for jobs. Combined, these three challenges pose a critical threat to the state’s economic prosperity.

To address these interrelated challenges, one solution is clear: we must institute public policies that reduce barriers to housing development and create incentives for investment in downtowns that have been overly reliant on the commercial sector. 

MTF is publishing two chartbooks designed to achieve two goals:

1. Identify barriers to housing in which public policy is a current contributor; and
2. Propose a new Momentum Zone pilot program to spur housing production in downtowns in a manner that is innovative, cost effective, and ultimately scalable.