Massachusetts invests $1.9 million in seasonal community housing

The Massachusetts administration, led by Governor Maura Healey, has announced $1.9 million in grants through the Seasonal Communities Grant Program. The funding aims to address housing shortages in 24 designated seasonal communities, including areas on Cape Cod, the Islands, and in Berkshire County, where tourism-driven seasonal housing has limited options for full-time residents and workers.

The initiative is expected to support the development of 594 potential year-round homes. Key projects include $150,000 for Falmouth to build 46 affordable units, and funding for Truro to conduct pre-construction work on a wastewater treatment facility tied to 160 units. Wellfleet received $69,800 for a feasibility study regarding the conversion of a campground into up to 250 workforce housing units, while Eastham will use $78,800 for pre-development work to convert the Beach Plum Hotel into four affordable homes.

This funding follows a 2024 state law that expanded the seasonal communities category. Under this law, municipalities in Dukes and Nantucket counties are automatically designated as seasonal communities, as are Barnstable County municipalities with more than 35% seasonal housing units.