Smart Growth America is proud to continue supporting local advocacy efforts for affordable housing and zoning reform with the launch of the 2025 Massachusetts Technical Assistance cohort. Generously funded by The Barr Foundation, this year’s program builds on the successes of SGA’s previous iteration of the MA TA program in 2022-2023 and the Opportunity Zones Academy technical assistance program.
Smart Growth America (SGA) is thrilled to announce the 2025 cohort of its Massachusetts Technical Assistance (MA TA) program. This year’s cohort includes three community-based organizations (CBOs) across Massachusetts: Westside Legends in Pittsfield, a returning partner from the 2022-2023 cohort; Lowell Alliance in Lowell; and the Greater Newburyport Housing Choice Coalition (part of the YWCA) in Newburyport.
The Massachusetts Commonwealth has made significant progress in recent years on equitable housing and zoning reform. Recent legislative actions—such as the MBTA Communities Law and the Affordable Homes Act—are laying the foundation for a more equitable housing landscape. Additionally, the Healey Administration released Massachusetts’ first statewide housing plan along with a Housing Needs Assessment identifying a shortfall of 222,000 homes.
SGA is excited to partner with these three CBOs to support the state’s zoning reform and affordable housing efforts by advancing grassroots advocacy for equitable housing reform at the local level. Here’s a look at the three MA TA partner organizations, their focus areas, and how SGA will support their housing and zoning advocacy efforts:
Greater Newburyport Housing Choice Coalition
The Greater Newburyport Housing Choice Coalition (NBPT HCC) has been a leading advocate for housing and zoning reform across its five umbrella communities: Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Salisbury, and Amesbury. Their primary focus has been advocating for zoning changes to align with the state’s recent housing legislation efforts, including the MBTA Communities Act and the new requirement for local municipalities to allow for the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by-right.
SGA will assist NBPT HCC by reviewing the existing zoning and housing policies in these communities to identify gaps that hinder compliance with Massachusetts’ new pro-housing mandates. Additionally, SGA will provide a case study of a similar community—either in Massachusetts or elsewhere—that has successfully implemented multi-family housing overlay districts to promote affordable housing development.
Lowell Alliance
Lowell Alliance is a community organization with a diverse portfolio that includes family services, civic engagement, and grassroots organizing. Historically focused on issues in its immigrant-heavy community—such as social services, voter engagement, and community gardening—Lowell Alliance is expanding its focus to include affordable housing advocacy.
SGA will develop a research-driven “roadmap” for Lowell Alliance that includes a review of Lowell’s zoning ordinances and housing policies, identification of key local and state decision-makers influencing affordable housing development, and recommendations for action steps to engage these entities in housing advocacy. Additionally, SGA will provide a case study of a Massachusetts community with a similar political landscape, showcasing best practices in grassroots advocacy on housing policy issues such as rent control, eviction protections, and expanding affordable housing stock.
Westside Legends
Westside Legends has been committed to revitalizing Pittsfield’s Westside neighborhood, working to address the lasting impacts of historic redlining and urban renewal. Since their participation in the previous round of the MA TA program, where SGA provided research on funding sources, case studies on community land trusts, and support in convening a Pittsfield-based working group of professionals focused on equitable economic development, Westside Legends has made significant advancements. Over the past year, they have gained considerable momentum as a local affordable housing developer, thanks to a deeper understanding of available public community development grants. A key focus is using affordable housing development to further remediate vacant lots in the Westside neighborhood, which serve as lasting symbols of the systemic disinvestment caused by redlining practices.
SGA will support Westside Legends by offering recommendations on how to leverage the new state-level housing initiatives and available funding opportunities. Additionally, SGA will provide two case studies: one focusing on a similar Massachusetts community that has successfully implemented affordable housing initiatives within the framework of the new statewide legislation, and the other on a community that has effectively integrated solar technology into affordable housing development projects.
Looking ahead
Representatives from the three participating community organizations will join SGA in Washington, DC for a “shoulder event” during SGA’s annual Equity Summit. This event will offer an opportunity for the organizations to exchange ideas, share recommendations on their local housing advocacy initiatives, and discuss valuable lessons learned from their respective communities.
The findings, lessons, and recommendations from the technical assistance program will culminate in a comprehensive report to be published on SGA’s website. This report will serve as a valuable resource for community organizations nationwide, showcasing best practices and key takeaways from these local housing advocacy efforts in Massachusetts. A primary focus will be on effective strategies for communicating complex smart growth and equitable affordable housing.