Press Release  In Springfield, Governor Healey Highlights Investments in Economic and Housing Development for Western Mass

Springfield — Today, at the Western Mass Developers Conference, Governor Maura T. Healey highlighted her administration’s efforts to invest in economic development in Western Mass, particularly through the $4 billion Affordable Homes Act that the Governor unveiled this morning. The package is the largest housing investment in state history and will spur the creation of 45,000 new homes while preserving and rehabilitating tens of thousands more. 

“From day one, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and I have been committed to building an administration that supports the economic development and success of every region in Massachusetts, including Western Mass. That’s why we hired the first ever Rural Affairs Director, moved quickly to secure millions of dollars in relief funding for farms devastated by flooding, and secured more than $100 million in federal funding to lay the foundation for West-East Rail,” said Governor Healey. “It’s also why we’ve been laser focused on making housing more affordable, which we know is a top concern here in Western Massachusetts. Today we were proud to unveil our $4 billion Affordable Homes Act, which will unlock funding and give communities the tools we need to build more housing and lower costs for all.” 

“Western Mass is home to incredible economic development organizations and professionals who are critical partners in our work to support strong, growing communities across the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is committed to continuing to deliver results for Western Mass, from our Affordable Homes Act, to the sweeping tax cuts package recently signed by Governor Healey, to our efforts to build West-East Rail, and beyond.” 

“Our administration is building an economy that works for everyone, in every region of our state, including Western Mass,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “We are grateful to the Western Mass EDC and the many economic development professionals in the region who serve as our partners and boots on the ground in providing valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by our local and regional economies.” 

The Western Mass Developers Conference is held every other year to connect business leaders, developers, real-estate professionals, site selectors, economic-development professionals, and public officials from Western Mass and across the Northeast. The Developers Conference is an opportunity for businesses, developers, economic-development officials, and other leaders to connect, learn, and invest in Western Mass. 

A copy of Governor Healey’s remarks can be found here. 

Statements of Support 

Keith Fairey, President & CEO, Way Finders: 

“We are thrilled to see today’s intrepid and innovative housing bond bill as put forth by the Healey-Driscoll Administration. This comprehensive bill will spur significant increases in housing production and preservation, and the inclusion of executive orders and new housing policies will ensure that there will be greater housing affordability, choice, and opportunity for all. Our housing needs are huge. They affect all of Massachusetts: our communities, families, businesses, and economy. Such a crisis demands a bold response and our state’s leadership delivered. On behalf of all the communities and families we serve, we thank the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Housing Secretary, and their teams for their proposed investment in the future of the Commonwealth and all our residents.” 

Gilbert Winn, CEO, Winn Companies: 

“This record-setting housing bond bill demonstrates the Administration’s leadership and comprehensive vision for meeting the Commonwealth’s housing challenges. The historic funding commitment for affordable and middle-income apartments would make a sizable dent in the housing needs of our communities. The bill also illustrates real ingenuity around policies which incentivize private capital investment, new construction techniques, and new ways to accelerate housing production in cities and towns.” 

Rick Sullivan, President and CEO, Western Mass EDC: 

"Western Mass Economic Development Council thanks Governor Healey for her presence and remarks at today’s developers conference Her commitment to and investment in the Western Mass economy has been constant during her tenure.  Her administrations announcement today of the funding for and plan to create 45,000 new housing units in the Commonwealth is not only the fulfillment of a campaign promise but a real step forward in a growth strategy for the state and Western Massachusetts." 

Alexis Breiteneicher, Executive Director, Valley Community Development:  

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s issuance of a robust housing bond bill today shows the Administration’s understanding of the daunting housing concerns across the Commonwealth. As a nonprofit affordable housing developer located in the Western MA, we are witness to rapidly escalating numbers of unhoused people in a region that currently has a limited capacity for response. This bond bill is an essential lifeline for people trying to afford basic shelter and for affordable housing developers trying to meet this need.” 

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