Boston, January 30, 2026
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has initiated lawsuits against nine communities for failing to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, which aims to promote multi-family housing near public transit. The action emphasizes the state’s commitment to alleviating housing shortages while ensuring that communities meet their statutory obligations to facilitate affordable housing development. Non-compliance may affect their eligibility for state grant programs, showcasing the interconnectedness of local governance in addressing housing affordability.
BOSTON
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has initiated legal action against nine communities across the Commonwealth for their failure to comply with the MBTA Communities Act. The lawsuits, filed on Thursday, January 29, 2026, mark a significant escalation in the state’s efforts to address a pressing housing shortage and ensure compliance with a law designed to foster denser residential development near public transit infrastructure. This decisive action underscores the State-level commitment to the statute enacted five years prior, which mandates that communities served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) establish zoning districts allowing multi-family housing by right.
The nine communities targeted in the Attorney General’s legal proceedings are Dracut, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Holden, Marblehead, Middleborough, Stoughton, Tewksbury, and Uxbridge. These municipalities, despite repeated notifications and opportunities for compliance, have not met the requirements set forth by the Act. The MBTA Communities Act requires affected towns and cities to create zoning for multi-family housing that is amenable to families of varying incomes, thereby expanding housing opportunities within regions that benefit from comprehensive public transportation networks. This legislative push seeks to alleviate the strain on housing affordability that many residents across Massachusetts currently face, reflecting a quiet understanding of the human need for stable and accessible shelter.
Understanding the MBTA Communities Act
Signed into law five years ago, the MBTA Communities Act is a State-level mandate that forms a cornerstone of Massachusetts’ strategy to combat its housing crisis. The law compels 177 communities, comprising those with MBTA stations, adjacent towns, and certain other municipalities, to adopt zoning ordinances that permit multi-family housing as of right in areas close to transit. The underlying principle is to leverage existing infrastructure, promote sustainable growth, and reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicle travel, thereby contributing to a more interconnected and environmentally conscious Commonwealth. The provisions of the Act were designed to encourage thoughtful development, balancing the quiet rhythms of community life with the undeniable pressures of growth and the enduring human need for a place to call home.
Compliance with the Act extends beyond mere zoning changes; it involves creating districts where a certain density of multi-family housing is allowed without special permits, streamlining the development process for housing that can serve a broader spectrum of residents. The Attorney General’s action against the non-compliant communities highlights the state’s unwavering resolve to see these vital provisions realized. Such enforcement actions are not merely administrative; they reflect a larger societal compact to ensure that the burdens and benefits of growth are shared, and that future generations have access to the foundations of a flourishing life within the communities they call home.
Implications of Non-Compliance
The decision by Attorney General Campbell to file lawsuits comes after a period of extended outreach and various attempts to encourage voluntary compliance from the affected municipalities. Legal action of this nature carries significant implications, as non-compliance can lead to a loss of eligibility for various State-level discretionary grant programs, including those related to housing, infrastructure, and climate resilience. This potential withholding of state resources serves as a powerful incentive for adherence, underscoring the interconnectedness of state and local governance in achieving collective goals for the welfare of all residents. The legal proceedings will now seek judicial remedies to ensure these communities fulfill their statutory obligations, a testament to the structured process through which a society endeavors to meet the evolving needs of its people.
This legal initiative by the Attorney General’s office serves as a clear signal that the State-level commitment to the MBTA Communities Act is firm and that its provisions will be upheld through legal means if necessary. The aim remains to expand housing choices across Massachusetts, fostering communities where the dignity of every individual’s search for a home can be met with practical and principled solutions. The quiet cadence of legal process now unfolds, seeking to harmonize local planning with the broader needs of the Commonwealth, all in service of a more equitable and well-resourced future for its inhabitants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the MBTA Communities Act?
The MBTA Communities Act is a State-level law in Massachusetts that mandates certain communities served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to establish zoning districts allowing multi-family housing by right.
When was the MBTA Communities Act signed into law?
The MBTA Communities Act was signed into law five years ago, with the filing of the lawsuits occurring on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Which communities are being sued by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell?
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has filed lawsuits against nine communities: Dracut, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Holden, Marblehead, Middleborough, Stoughton, Tewksbury, and Uxbridge.
Why is the Attorney General suing these communities?
The Attorney General is suing these communities for noncompliance with the MBTA Communities Act, meaning they have failed to establish the required zoning for multi-family housing near transit.
What are the potential consequences for non-compliant communities?
Non-compliant communities may face legal remedies and could lose eligibility for various State-level discretionary grant programs, including those related to housing, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
Key Features of the MBTA Communities Act
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To promote multi-family housing development near public transit to address housing shortages and affordability. | State-level |
| Mandate | Requires MBTA-served communities to zone for multi-family housing as of right. | State-level |
| Affected Communities | 177 communities in Massachusetts (those with MBTA stations, adjacent towns, etc.). | State-level |
| Enactment Date | Signed into law approximately five years prior to January 29, 2026. | State-level |
| Enforcement Body | Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. | State-level |
| Consequences of Non-Compliance | Potential loss of eligibility for various State-level discretionary grant programs (e.g., housing, infrastructure, climate resilience). | State-level |
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