Massachusetts launches MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund to speed housing near transit

Governor Healy announced the launch of the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund at Prospect Union Square in Somerville, saying the program will provide grants to help communities turn newly approved multifamily zoning into housing. "We've set aside $15,000,000 to provide technical assistance, in the form of grants to support the work that these communities need to do," Governor Healy said at the event.

The fund is designed to assist municipalities that adopt zoning under the MBTA Communities Act by covering planning and infrastructure needs officials say are key to getting projects built. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll framed the effort as part of a broader state push that included passage this year of what she described as a $5,000,000,000 housing bond bill called the Affordable Homes Act. "That's the biggest housing investment in our state's history," Driscoll said.

Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus said the law is producing tangible results: 75 municipalities have approved multifamily zoning and 36 communities have reached full or conditional compliance with the MBTA Communities rules, creating roughly 1,600 housing units in the pipeline in newly approved zones. "These 36 communities know how important this is for their future," Augustus said, describing the Catalyst Fund as an additional tool to accelerate projects and finance infrastructure such as water, sewer, sidewalks and roads so development can proceed.

Officials and developers pointed to Prospect Union Square as a local example of transit-oriented development. Greg Karchowsky, president of Union Square Station Associates, said Prospect Union Square added 450 units, including 90 affordable units, adjacent to the new Green Line stop. "With Prospect Union Square, we've added 450 new units. It includes 90 affordable units," he said, noting the project's mix of housing, commercial space and public areas.

Advocates and local leaders at the event said technical assistance and targeted grants are intended to reduce barriers that can slow projects after zoning changes. Jesse Kanson Beninov of Abundant Housing Massachusetts described grassroots organizing that helped towns approve pro-housing bylaws and urged continued local engagement.

Officials did not announce an application schedule at the event; speakers said eligible, compliant communities will be prioritized for the program and that the administration will provide technical support to communities seeking to implement zoning changes. The event closed with an invitation for follow-up questions and continued coordination between state and municipal officials.