Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has filed a lawsuit against nine towns that have failed to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, a 2021 law requiring municipalities to zone for multifamily housing as of right.
The complaint names Dracut, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Holden, Marblehead, Middleton, Tewksbury, Wilmington, and Winthrop as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that these towns did not meet the July 14, 2025 deadline for compliance with the law, which mandates that municipalities create a zoning district that complies with section 3A of the MBTA Communities Act.
Campbell's office had previously issued an advisory to noncompliant communities in January 2026, stating that enforcement action would be taken. However, three additional towns - Carver, Reheboth, and Freetown - were not included in the initial lawsuit, with Campbell explaining that her office is being "flexible" with them due to their respective deadlines.
According to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, 165 out of 177 communities under the law have already complied or are on track to comply. The nine noncompliant towns face potential penalties and injunctive relief if they do not come into compliance with the law.
The lawsuit comes as the state struggles with a severe housing shortage, and Campbell has stated that her office is committed to ensuring that all municipalities meet their legal responsibilities under the MBTA Communities Act.
The complaint names Dracut, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Holden, Marblehead, Middleton, Tewksbury, Wilmington, and Winthrop as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that these towns did not meet the July 14, 2025 deadline for compliance with the law, which mandates that municipalities create a zoning district that complies with section 3A of the MBTA Communities Act.
Campbell's office had previously issued an advisory to noncompliant communities in January 2026, stating that enforcement action would be taken. However, three additional towns - Carver, Reheboth, and Freetown - were not included in the initial lawsuit, with Campbell explaining that her office is being "flexible" with them due to their respective deadlines.
According to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, 165 out of 177 communities under the law have already complied or are on track to comply. The nine noncompliant towns face potential penalties and injunctive relief if they do not come into compliance with the law.
The lawsuit comes as the state struggles with a severe housing shortage, and Campbell has stated that her office is committed to ensuring that all municipalities meet their legal responsibilities under the MBTA Communities Act.
just thinkin about all those towns goin down on this one... seems like they didn't wanna deal with the change 
. we need more housing options, it's not just a matter of supply and demand, but also zoning laws that are outdated 
what if these towns had to adapt 3 years ago? would things be different now? 
. Like, I get it, change can be hard and all, but come on! The state is still struggling with a housing shortage and these towns are just sitting there like, "meh" 
.
. And 165 out of 177 communities have already figured it out? That's awesome! It just goes to show that people are willing to listen and adapt when given the chance 
. The housing shortage is no joke, and we need more options for people who want to live in the area without breaking the bank 
.
. I feel for the noncompliant towns, but at the same time, it's like, priorities, right? Housing is key! Hope they shape up soon before penalties kick in 
. Only 12% of noncompliant towns, though... seems kinda low 
. Guess we'll just have to keep an eye on this 
! Housing crisis in MA is real 
.
165 out of 177 communities have already complied, that's like 92%! it's crazy to think about all the people struggling to find homes in these noncompliant towns 
. i mean, the housing shortage is getting worse by the day & they're still dragging their feet? it's not like it's a huge burden for them to zone for multifamily housing... 165 out of 177 communities have already done it, so what's the problem? 
. Anyway, good luck to those nine towns trying to comply... or not. The state's housing shortage is still a major issue, so maybe this'll finally get some action taken 
(Just don't hold your breath).
. Like, what's the point of even having a law if nobody's gonna follow it?! 
The state is already struggling with a massive housing shortage, and now they're just sitting around waiting for someone else to take action 
. It's not like the law is asking for much - just some basic zoning that allows for more homes to be built 
. I mean, come on, it's time for these towns to get their act together! 
And the fact that only 165 out of 177 communities have already complied is like woah thats super low!
. It's kinda weird that they didn't comply by the deadline 
. I get it though, some of these towns had extensions or were just slow 
165 out of 177? That's awesome! 
. Maybe this lawsuit will encourage them to take action 
.
anyway, lets see how this all plays out 
. It's frustrating when you see communities dragging their feet on something as important as this.
The fact that 165 out of 177 communities are already on board with the law is awesome, though! 