Why Massachusetts Might Sue Its Cities Over Zoning Codes

Why Massachusetts Might Sue Its Cities Over Zoning Codes

Author: Strong Towns January 29, 2025 Duration: 52:04
In 2021, Massachusetts signed a law requiring communities that are served by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) to legalize multifamily housing development near MBTA transit stations. Recently, a state court ruled that the state has the authority to sue cities and towns that don’t comply. In this episode of Upzoned, Abby and Chuck discuss whether that’s a good idea, the broader trend of states intervening in city zoning practices, and how the root issue is actually poor transportation investment practices. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES “Court Ruling Paves the Way For State to Sue Towns With Exclusionary Zoning Laws” by Christian MilNeil, StreetsblogMASS (January 2025). “Our Financial System Favors Large-Scale Development…but at What Cost?” with Coby Lefkowitz. Abby Newsham (X/Twitter). Chuck Marohn (Twitter/X). Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

Each week, Upzoned takes a single, pressing story from the world of urban development, municipal policy, and community economics and holds it up to the light. Hosts Abby Kinney and Chuck Marohn of Strong Towns, sometimes joined by a guest, don't just skim the headlines. They dig into the nuances of a specific zoning decision, a new infrastructure project, or a shifting demographic trend, asking what it reveals about how we actually build our cities, towns, and neighborhoods. The conversation is grounded in the practical, bottom-up philosophy of the Strong Towns movement, making complex topics accessible and immediately relevant. This isn't a broad news recap; it's a focused, thoughtful dissection for anyone curious about why their community looks and functions the way it does. You'll hear informed debate, critical analysis, and a persistent questioning of conventional wisdom, all aimed at understanding how we can create places that are financially resilient and genuinely enriching for the people who live in them. Tune in for a deeper, more substantive take on the stories that shape our shared spaces.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Upzoned
Podcast Episodes
Could this New Approach to Public Housing Actually Work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:19
A suburb of Washington, DC is exploring a new approach to creating more affordable housing through public-private partnerships. And it’s seeing success! In this episode of Upzoned, Chuck and Abby discuss the history of p…
Parking Minimums Might Be on the Way Out in Dallas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:42
Local officials in Dallas are considering eliminating minimum parking requirements in the city. The zoning ordinance advisory committee just voted to advance the measure to the city planning commission, and if approved t…
Today’s Generation of Families Are “Disillusioned” by Suburbia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:48
Five families from Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Pittsburg move to the suburbs in search of the American dream, drawn by promises of better schools and all the other amenities promised by suburban life…but i…
Millennials Are Fleeing Cities in Favor of the Exurbs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:27
Millennials are officially getting old. They’re having children, buying houses, and getting replaced by Gen Z in urban areas. As one article from Business Insider puts it, “Millennials are getting priced out of cities,”…
Transportation Meltdown: Children on the School Bus Till 10 p.m. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:33
Kentucky’s largest school system recently had to cancel the second and third day of classes due to what they're calling a disastrous overhaul of the bus system. On day one, some children were still on their bus at 10 p.m…
Is Affordable Housing Possible Under Current Zoning Laws? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:54
Durham, North Carolina, is experiencing a hot debate over changing its zoning code. The proposed “Simplifying Codes for Affordable Development” (or SCAD) presents tactical adjustments that focus on loosening the current…
Atlanta’s New Idea To Address Their Housing Crisis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:29
The United States is in the midst of a housing crisis. More and more cities are recognizing that part of the issue is due to restrictive zoning laws, which make building affordable homes a difficult feat. On this episode…