MVPC hosted a housing summit to officially launch the Housing Production Plans (HPPs) of all fifteen cities and towns in the region. Elected officials, municipal staff, housing advocates, and community organizations gathered at North Essex Community College to discuss the state of housing in the region. The event’s speakers – including Chris Kluchman from the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) – highlighted the housing challenges facing the Merrimack Valley and the opportunities for collaboration to ensure the future of housing in the region is equitable and sustainable.

This housing summit marks the culmination of a significant regional effort to address the critical need for housing in the region. Over the past two years, MVPC has worked with municipalities to develop Housing Production Plans tailored to the unique needs and goals of each town and city in the region. The Housing Production Plans were derived from a collaborative process with local stakeholders meeting regularly to explore current housing conditions, identify challenges and opportunities, and envision a pathway to address future housing needs. These plans provided actionable strategies for increasing housing production, promoting affordability, and ensuring that the Merrimack Valley remains a vibrant and welcoming place to live.

Several regional themes emerged from these local plans such as encouraging affordability, conducting community engagement, and developing regulatory changes. Breakout session leaders – including Judi Barrett from Barrett Planning Group, Lily Linke from Citizens’ Housing & Planning Association (CHAPA), and Matt Zahler from MPZ Development – spoke to each of these themes and the strategies for addressing barriers to advancing these policies. Along with participating in the breakout sessions, event attendees had the opportunity to explore key topics related to housing, share their insights, and provide input on local priorities. As many participants noted, the success of these housing efforts is closely tied to broader regional initiatives such as strengthening the local economy, improving transportation access, and fostering vibrant communities.

These housing initiatives highlight the importance of strategic planning and collaboration in addressing the region’s housing challenges. Each city and town in the Merrimack Valley region can take meaningful steps toward creating housing opportunities for all residents. To learn more about the Housing Production Plans, visit our page on Regional Housing Strategies.