City of Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester has been named a 2025 Housing Choice Community by the Commonwealth, a distinction that provides access to exclusive state funding opportunities and technical assistance that bolsters housing production and supports local planning efforts.

“The City of Worcester is committed to continually exploring new ways to create affordable housing – whether it’s through building new units, adaptive reuse, inclusionary zoning, accessory dwelling units, or reducing parking requirements,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “The state funding opportunities that are made available via the Housing Choice Program are critical for the creation of new, affordable units. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for continuing to prioritize affordable housing across the state.” 

According to the Commonwealth, the Housing Choice Initiative recognizes communities that are adopting policies to support increased housing production and reduce costs. To receive the designation, communities must meet housing production benchmarks over the past five years and demonstrate implementation of local policies and best practices.  

Worcester is one of 43 cities and towns across Massachusetts to receive the 2025 designation, having produced 2,133 net new housing units, well above the state’s 700-unit benchmark for eligibility.