The Joint Committee on Housing convened on May 29, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding housing supply and affordability in Massachusetts. The meeting featured testimony from Mark, the Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), who announced his upcoming retirement on June 13, marking the end of his tenure in a role he has held since the 1990s.

Mark emphasized the ongoing challenges in increasing housing supply, noting that Massachusetts requires the construction of 222,000 new housing units to meet demand. He highlighted the need to double the current pace of permitting and production to achieve this goal. Despite the committee's efforts and various legislative initiatives, he cautioned that supply issues are likely to persist for at least one to two decades.

A significant part of the discussion focused on the importance of not only increasing market-rate housing but also preserving and developing affordable housing options. Mark urged the committee to prioritize the creation of subsidized and naturally occurring affordable units, stressing the impact of housing insecurity on children and families.

He also introduced innovative strategies to reduce housing production costs, such as modular and off-site built housing. Currently, much of this housing is imported from other states and countries, which adds to costs. Mark advocated for local production to create jobs and streamline the housing development process.

Additionally, Mark addressed the issue of access to legal counsel for tenants, highlighting its importance in creating a fair environment for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants. He encouraged the committee to continue supporting and expanding access to legal resources for those in need.

The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing collaboration among committee members and MAPC to tackle the pressing housing challenges facing the Commonwealth. Mark's insights underscored the complexity of the housing crisis and the multifaceted approach required to address it effectively.