Massachusetts Voters Nearly Split on Housing Zoning Measure

Massachusetts voters are nearly evenly split on Question 7, a ballot measure designed to increase the construction of starter homes by establishing a statewide minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet for single-family homes. With more than 94 percent of the vote reported as of Wednesday evening, the "no" side holds a narrow lead of just over 1 percent.

Andrew Mikula, the chief housing economist at the Pioneer Institute and author of the measure, sought to eliminate town-by-town zoning regulations that often require larger plots of land. Advocates argued these local rules drive up housing costs and encourage the construction of luxury homes, noting that the median single-family home in Greater Boston reached $900,000 in September.

The vote revealed a sharp divide between urban centers and smaller municipalities. Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu supported the measure, which found favor in denser cities such as Boston, Lawrence, and Worcester. Conversely, wealthier suburbs and smaller towns opposed the change. The Massachusetts Municipal Association also campaigned against the measure, citing concerns over the loss of local zoning control.