Everett has earned the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Housing Choice Community designation for its leadership in creating new housing.
What it means: This designation means Everett is helping to tackle the state’s housing shortage by encouraging smart growth and making it easier for people to find a place to live.
By the numbers:
- 1,500+ new homes permitted in the past five years
- That’s about 5% of all new housing built statewide
- The 77 Housing Choice Communities together built 77% of all new housing in MA
Why it matters: This recognition gives Everett access to:
- Exclusive funding through the Housing Choice Grant Program
- Priority consideration for 9 additional state programs supporting transportation, planning, and community development
What they’re saying:
- “These communities are creating homes for people at all income levels while helping to ensure that Massachusetts remains affordable, inclusive, and vibrant,” said Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll.
- “The best way to tackle the housing crisis is by building more homes, and we’re doing just that,” said Mayor DeMaria. “This recognition is a testament to Everett’s commitment to thoughtful, forward-looking growth. We’re building a city where families, seniors, and young people can all find a place to call home.”
What’s next: Everett can now apply for additional state resources to continue supporting housing, infrastructure, and sustainable growth.
The Housing Choice Community designation is awarded by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategy to increase housing supply across the Commonwealth.
To qualify, cities and towns must show strong housing production numbers and a commitment to sustainable, inclusive development.
Everett’s designation reflects years of proactive planning and support for housing of all types—helping to meet demand while keeping the city affordable, accessible, and welcoming for longtime residents and newcomers alike.