Viewpoint: Why Mass. needs the ROAD to Housing Act
By James T. Brett, Worcester Business Journal
Housing affordability remains one of New England’s biggest economic issues. From Worcester’s competitive rental market to small towns dealing with aging housing stock, the pressure is widespread.
That is why the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act of 2025, the ROAD to Housing Act, is such a vital piece of legislation. With the bipartisan leadership of Senators Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren, the bill was passed by the Senate with strong support from both sides of the aisle.
The bill addresses the crisis from multiple angles: increasing supply, preserving affordable units, empowering local governments, and encouraging private investment. For New England, where high costs and limited land create unique challenges, this would provide essential tools.
One highlight is the $1 billion Innovation Fund, championed by Senator Warren. This program will award competitive, flexible grants to communities expanding housing supply. Municipalities that modernize zoning or adopt creative reforms can use funds to improve infrastructure, build new homes, or upgrade essential systems.
The bill enhances the role of private investment. The Community Investment and Prosperity provisions raise the Public Welfare Investment cap for banks from 15% to 20%, giving financial institutions more flexibility to direct funds into affordable housing and community projects.
Additional reforms streamline programs and lower costs. Removing the cap on units that can be converted under the Rental Assistance Demonstration program will help maintain affordable housing. Updates to Community Development Block Grant allocations will encourage communities to remove barriers such as restrictive zoning. And revisions to the National Environmental Protection Act requirements will cut unnecessary delays in building much-needed housing.
Together, these provisions create a pathway to a healthier housing market. By combining federal leadership with local flexibility and public-private collaboration, the ROAD to Housing Act establishes the conditions for sustainable growth and stronger communities.
For New England, this isn’t just policy; it’s an economic imperative. The region’s ability to attract talent, grow businesses, and sustain communities depends on affordable, accessible housing.
The New England Council commends Senators Warren and Scott for their bipartisan leadership on this legislation. We are grateful to the Senate for passing the bill and urge the House of Representatives to follow suit. With support from builders, bankers, mayors, and nonprofits, the momentum is here. Now it is time to act.