At the Chamber, we know that a thriving economy needs affordable housing for the workforce and sensible development for neighborhoods and businesses.

Housing and development are not just business issues, they are also community issues.

In the race for talent, every advantage – or disadvantage – matters, so employers understand the need to address our region’s housing costs. Massachusetts has among the highest housing costs in the country and, particularly in the context of remote work, talent will seek less expensive, quality housing, whether it’s thousands of miles away or just over the state’s border.  

In developing and upgrading the commercial building stock, we need to balance costs and outcomes so there’s affordable space for businesses to start and grow. The same approach applies to residential buildings to maintain an adequate, affordable housing supply. 

Building Community for Work and Life

Increase Supply 
Increase Supply 

Increase workforce housing, including more use of transit oriented developments.  

Contain Cost 
Contain Cost 

Avoid policies that further increase costs for both new and existing buildings

Incentivize Change 
Incentivize Change 

Use incentives, rather than penalties, to create and retrofit buildings to meet climate goals

The Latest from the Chamber

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Housing & Development

Supercharging Housing Production

Learn how housing costs, supply shortages, and slow production are shaping affordability and economic growth in Massachusetts.
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Public Policy
business climate

Chamber Supports Freezing City of Boston Linkage Fees for 2026

Greater Boston Chamber backs 0% linkage fee increase for 2026, urging policy relief to spur development and stabilize Boston’s economy.
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Public Policy
Boston Chamber Policy Housing

Chamber Opposes Real Estate Transfer Fees

The Chamber urges the Committee to look at residential construction trends in other jurisdictions with mansion taxes in its review of proposed legislation.
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