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Van Meter urges local tools for housing affordability, says state needs 200,000 new units by 2030
Summary
Zosha Van Meter urged municipal strategies such as inclusionary zoning, partnerships with the attorney general's Neighborhood Renewal Division to restore blighted properties, and expanded loan programs for first‑time buyers and seniors, saying 'we cannot simply build our way out of this crisis.'
Zosha Van Meter said housing affordability is the top focus of her campaign and urged a mix of municipal policies and state support to address the shortage.
"We cannot simply build our way out of this crisis," Van Meter said, arguing that local governments should enact inclusionary zoning, partner with the attorney general's Neighborhood Renewal Division to rehabilitate blighted properties, and expand education and financial support for first‑time homebuyers.
Van Meter cited what she described as an estimate from the Healey‑Driscoll administration that Massachusetts needs more than 200,000 new units by 2030 to meet projected demand. She said municipalities must be "bold and creative" and cited local projects in the 9th Essex District while noting that different demographic groups—students, large families and seniors—face distinct housing needs.
Her proposals included expanding access to loan programs that would allow seniors to make accessibility upgrades to remain at home.
