Massachusetts Senate and Seattle Council push housing zoning reforms

The Massachusetts Senate is set to vote on an economic development bill that would require every residentially zoned lot in the state to allow duplexes as‑of‑right, eliminating the need for special variances. Senator Julian Cyr called the change “a simple but incredibly meaningful reform” that could make housing more affordable and help meet the goal of building 222,000 new units by 2035. The proposal builds on a 2024 housing bond bill that legalized accessory dwelling units in single‑family districts, though housing advocates are urging the state to permit up to five units per lot.

In Seattle, a city council committee advanced legislation that would end pre‑legislative appeals to the hearing examiner for zoning changes, a step intended to speed up the approval of new housing. Sponsored by land‑use chair Eddie Lin, the bill would still allow appeals to the state Growth Management Hearings Board and the courts. Council members were divided, with concerns that the measure could silence citizen voices and affect environmental protections. Councilmember Dionne Foster emphasized the link between affordable housing and climate impacts, stating, “If we fail to do our job and build substantial and affordable housing… you also have environmental impacts.” The council also debated a separate proposal to replace universal school‑meal funding with vouchers for low‑income families.