Massachusetts

Study: Older States Tend to Have Worse Finances
A report suggests that the older a state is, the more likely it is that special interests have entrenched themselves, negatively impacting the public purse.

Foreign Firm Wants to Bring Privately Run Student Housing to Boston
The British firm Scape says it wants to spend $1 billion to build privately operated student housing in Boston. Unaffiliated with any one school, the concept is already popular in London.

Boston to Consider Workforce and Investor Diversity in Real Estate Decisions
Beginning this week, the city of Boston will ask developers how they plan to include women and minorities as workers and investors when putting city-owned real estate out for bid.

Should This Mass Pike Viaduct Come Down?
Public opinion favors an at-grade highway, but the state is still considering retaining the elevated section in Allston.

15 Cities, 1 Mission: Build More Housing
A coalition of 15 cities in the Boston area agreed to rapidly build new housing to relieve pressure on the regional housing market.

Smaller Cities Rejecting Dockless Bike Share
Two cities, of similar size (about 90,000 residents), and located in different corners of the country, unceremoniously dispatched dockless bikeshare pilots in recent weeks.

More Affordable Housing Needed to Keep Pace with Boston's Growth
Boston's housing goals were set in 2014, but had to be revised as the city's population growth exceeds previous estimates.

In Boston, Protecting Communities from the Consequences of Foreclosure
A diverse Boston community alliance initially came together to maintain stability in neighborhoods affected by foreclosures. It has changed focus as its work has continued.

Study: Boston Luxury Housing Supply Doesn't Satisfy Local Demand
Most people living in Boston's most expensive condominiums aren't from Boston, according to new research.

The History of the Failed 'Housing Choice' Bill in Massachusetts
The House Choice bill, supported by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, failed to earn approval from the State Legislature this year.

Study: The Demographics of the Public Comment NIMBY
A new study reveals the biases of the public planning process.

Facebook Among Targets of HUD's Latest Round of Fair Housing Enforcement
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is taking on one big fish and a few little fish in the battle against housing discrimination.

Arlington, Massachusetts Reveals Possible Designs for BRT Pilot
The Boston suburb will choose between five different bus routes, all of which will run in bus-only lanes.

Can a Bus Stop Be Pretty?
A local bus stop offers the setting for an experiment in beautification.

Lessons in Subway Etiquette
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is undertaking a series of videos asking for polite and courteous behavior from riders.

Massachusetts Could Be Next to Tax Short-Term Rentals
Legislation on the verge of approval in Massachusetts would enact a linkage fee, in effect, that would generate revenue for funding affordable housing.

Cheap Rent Could be Another Casualty of the Trade War
Trump’s tariffs on steel and other building materials are driving up building costs slowing development and pushing up rents.

Housing Crunch Provokes Debate in Boston Suburb
The city of Waltham, Massachusetts has added over 11,000 jobs since 2010, but only a few hundred homes. Developers see a prime opportunity, but city officials are reticent.

Suburban Bike Share Reaches Across Town Borders
In smaller towns in the greater Boston area, communities are offering bike share that crosses town borders.

East Boston Kicks Off Series of New Neighborhood Plans
Planners and officials in Boston are gathering feedback from the community as an initial step in the recently announced planning and zoning process for East Boston.
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