What is the Housing Choice Designation?
The Housing Choice Communities Designation (HCC) is available to all Massachusetts Cities and Towns not designated as Rural and Small Towns. The designation recognizes Cities and Towns that demonstrate certain levels of housing production and adoption of pro-housing best practices.
What is the Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Designation?
Launched in 2026, the Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Communities Designation (RST-HCC) is available to all Massachusetts Rural and Small Towns, defined as communities with a population under 7,000 (small towns) or with a population density of under 500 persons per square mile (rural towns), as measured by the 2020 US Census. This designation comes from hundreds of conversations with local leaders since 2023 and will help more communities become part of the Housing Choice Initiative and receive all its benefits.
What are the Benefits of the Designations?
Both Housing Choice Communities (HCC) and Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Communities (RST-HCC) are eligible for the same benefits. That includes exclusive access to the Housing Choice Grant Program through the Community One Stop for Growth, and special considerations from various Housing Choice Initiative participating state programs.
Communities interested in receiving either designation should review the designation criteria they are eligible for and prepare to submit a Designation Application.