Massachusetts leaders announced 29 Housing Choice Community designations, recognizing cities and towns that are taking steps to support housing production and provide them with exclusive access to apply for the state’s Housing Choice Grant Program.
This year’s designations include the first communities recognized under the new rural and small town housing choice designation that seeks to give communities of all sizes an opportunity to participate in the state’s housing strategy.
The state now has 92 designated Housing Choice Communities, including 27 rural and small town communities. For the first time, every county in the state has at least one designated Housing Choice Community.
“Massachusetts needs more housing in every part of our state, and that means recognizing that communities have different needs, different challenges, and different opportunities,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “We are working with communities to create more homes, bring down costs, and make it easier for people to stay in the places they love. By expanding this program to rural and small towns, we are making sure every region has the tools to be part of the solution.”
The new designated communities are Ayer, Bedford, Bernardston, Bolton, Buckland, Burlington, Deerfield, Douglas, Easthampton, Edgartown, Franklin, Gardner, Gill, Great Barrington, Hamilton, Harvard, Haverhill, Lexington, Lincoln, Lynn, Melrose, New Salem, Newton, Oak Bluffs, Sherborn, Uxbridge, Wellesley, Westport, and Wrentham.
The Housing Choice Initiative, first created in 2018 and updated in 2025, recognizes municipalities that are producing housing and adopting local policies that support housing growth, such as pro-housing zoning, affordability programs, and streamlined permitting.
Designated communities receive exclusive access to apply for the Housing Choice Grant Program and receive additional benefits through other participating state programs.