Auchincloss on Housing: ‘It’s Not Going to Happen Organically’

January 29, 2025
• On a Zoom call with constituents Wednesday morning, the congressman spoke about increasing housing stock in the district, including in Needham.

In the wake of Needham’s zoning referendum and the ensuing fallout, one resident sought guidance from U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss during the pro-housing legislator’s virtual town hall.

When asked about the steps and strategies Needham housing advocates can implement to create more housing, the Newton Democrat offered a slight reality check.

“I’m going to be blunt here: It’s not going to happen organically, town by town,” Auchincloss said.

Without the MBTA Communities Act or other legally mandated action, towns will not develop the multi-family housing they need, Auchincloss said. While some municipalities attempt to zone beyond the requirements — including Needham, initially — those are just the outliers, he added.

“To claim otherwise, I think, is really to ignore 400 years of New England’s political history,” Auchincloss said, “which is ferocious localism.”

Auchincloss has pledged to withhold federal funds for communities within his district that fail to comply with the MBTA Communities Act — a commitment he reiterated during the town hall. He also signaled his support for the bill, despite previous complications around its enforcement.

Needham will likely reach interim compliance with the state after town officials submitted an action plan with the Executive Office of Housing and Liveable Communities last week, according to Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick.

The town hall served, in part, as an update on Auchincloss’ newly formed Congressional YIMBY Caucus — or “Yes In My Back Yard” Caucus — and their effort to increase housing supply.

Auchincloss suggested developing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to address the housing shortage in Massachusetts. He considers ADUs “a little more of a gentle way” to fill density, and they can be more efficient to build and monetize for homeowners.

“It’s not mutually exclusive to MBTA Communities compliance,” Auchincloss said of ADUs, “but it’s something that I think can move the needle on infill housing in a way that has less political resistance.”

Housing cost drives Massachusetts residents out of the state, Auchincloss said, which will eventually “asphyxiate our economy” should nothing be done about rent and mortgage prices. A series of policies, including zoning reform, can address that, he said.

Needham Town Meeting will vote on the adoption of the Base Compliance Plan when it convenes in May.

Previous post A Scout’s Honor
Next post Needham History: The Oldest House in Needham