Housing is one of the most important and essential issues that communities face throughout the United States. This is especially true in Massachusetts, where we lead the nation in the cost of rent. Not a list you want to be on the top of.

Just last month the Boston Foundation released its 16th annual Greater Boston Housing Report Card, in partnership with Northern’s Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, the Massachusetts Housing Partnership Center for Housing Data, and UMass’ Donahue Institute. The Housing Report Card looks at core metrics, best practices, and housing production and segregation in each municipality and region in the Commonwealth. Check out the interactive maps and see how your community compares.

Housing production has been marked as a priority in the Merrimack Valley – the need for additional housing is clear and unavoidable. In 2018 the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission completed a comprehensive and exhaustive Housing Production Plan for the region and individualized Housing Production Plans for each our our 15 partner municipalities to unify the region in tackling complex housing challenges. Check out the plan and read about what we can do to make housing more affordable, accessible, and equitable for everyone.