Massachusetts Court Upholds MBTA Housing Law Against Nine Towns' Challenges

A Massachusetts Superior Court judge dismissed lawsuits from nine municipalities challenging the MBTA Communities Act, ruling that the law is not an unfunded mandate and allowing it to proceed. The law requires cities and towns served by or adjacent to MBTA transit to create multi-family housing zones to address the state's housing shortage. The towns argued the law imposed significant infrastructure costs without state funding, but the court found these claims speculative and indirect, noting available grant programs to mitigate some burdens. This ruling follows previous court decisions upholding the law and affirms the state's authority to require zoning reforms while preserving local discretion. Attorney General Andrea Campbell praised the decision as a victory in addressing the housing crisis, and most affected communities have already adopted zoning changes under the law. The outcome signals continued enforcement of the MBTA Communities Act despite local opposition.