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Housing

Promoting abundant housing of all types to stem the affordability crisis.

About Housing

Housing affordability and availability are defining issues across the United States, shaping who can live where and who has access to opportunity and upward mobility. In high-cost states like Massachusetts, rising prices and limited supply have pushed many young families and skilled workers to leave, threatening long-term economic vitality. 

Pioneer’s housing work responds to these challenges in restrictive states like Massachusetts as well as in high-growth states like Florida. We are building an AI-enabled national database of local zoning and environmental regulations—starting here and expanding nationwide by 2027—to identify and remove barriers to new housing. Our research and policy work advance reforms that expand low-cost options such as accessory dwelling units and encourage transit-oriented, mixed-use development. The goal: to retain and attract talent, lower costs, and strengthen opportunity in every community.

September 10, 2026

Solving the Permit Puzzle

Despite recent statewide reform efforts, residential permitting in Massachusetts remains slow and unpredictable. As housing costs push families and employers toward lower-cost states like New Hampshire and Rhode Island, cities and towns don’t have to wait for Beacon Hill to act. Much of the delay and added cost happens out of public view, in the back-office interactions between applicants, staff, and volunteer board members that occur long before any public hearing.
August 26, 2026

Massachusetts Should Stop Taxing the Trucks That Deliver Its Goods

A conference committee is deciding whether Massachusetts remains the only New England state that taxes rolling stock at its full sales tax rate, with no exemption and no limit. The House version of the Mass Ready Act would exempt rolling stock (the trucks, tractors, and trailers common carriers use to move goods in interstate commerce) from the 6.25 percent sales and use tax (H.5518, Sections 22A through 22D).1 The Senate version contains no such language.2 The House passed its bill 151 to 0.3 The conferees should keep the House provision and take an easy step toward making Massachusetts more competitive.

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Dependency Index – Federal Money to the States

Think you know which states depend most on Washington? Pioneer’s new Dependency Index may change your mind. Alaska ranks most dependent on federal funds, and Idaho ranks least. Check out where your state ranks here! https://loom.ly/6LMwO0c