While the MetroFuture plan includes detailed goals and objectives for housing production, location, type, and affordability, it is not a regional housing plan. A Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) would include more detailed analysis, more specific recommendations, and more specific goals and objectives, all within the context of the overall MetroFuture plan. This RHNA could provide a more specific framework for how regional objectives apply to different Community Types, subregions, or even specific municipalities. For example, the RHNA might be the venue for recommending how low-density municipalities might make substantial progress toward increasing access to affordable housing in the low-growth scenario recommended by MetroFuture.
1.a MAPC should prepare a Regional Housing Needs Assessment for Metro Boston and should update it every five years.
1.b The Department of Housing and Community Development should establish guidance for the development of Regional Housing Needs Assessments