Affordable Housing
Ensuring that every Massachusetts resident can afford a home is one of Lydia Edwards’s top priorities. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing and a co-founder of the bipartisan Housing for All Caucus, she has championed transformative policies and historic investments to tackle the state’s housing crisis. Lydia has led efforts to build, preserve, and protect housing across the Commonwealth — especially for working families, seniors, and those most vulnerable. Her work combines visionary zoning reforms, bonding measures, tenant protections, and support for communities to guarantee affordability, equity, and stability.
How Lydia Has Delivered
Affordable Homes Act & Housing Bond Bill
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As Chair of the Senate Housing Committee, Lydia led the passage of the Affordable Homes Act (S.2834) — a historic $5.16 billion investment signed into law in August 2024 — and helped secure unanimous Senate approval for a $5.4 billion housing bond. Together, these measures represent the largest housing investment in Massachusetts history, funding the creation or preservation of approximately 65,000 homes, supporting ADU legalization, decarbonizing public housing, protecting tenants, and converting underused commercial spaces into housing.
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Eviction-Sealing Law
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Lydia championed Massachusetts’ groundbreaking eviction-sealing law—effective May 5, 2025—that empowers eligible tenants to petition courts to seal certain eviction records. She coordinated comprehensive state outreach efforts, partnering with legal aid organizations and housing advocates to ensure thousands of residents are aware of this legal recourse. The initiative promotes fairer access to housing by preventing past eviction filings from blocking future rentals
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Inclusionary Zoning & ADU Expansion (Bill S.1441)
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She filed legislation to simplify inclusionary zoning in communities statewide (Bill S.1441), and her advocacy ensured that every city and town can now build one accessory dwelling unit up to 900 ft² “by right” without special permits — unlocking thousands of new affordable rental options.
Housing for All Caucus & Local Empowerment
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In early 2023, Lydia co-founded the “Housing for All” legislative caucus to build consensus on diverse housing solutions—from tenant protections to first-time homebuyer support. She’s also championed local options like graduated deed excise tax and real-estate transfer fees to fund community-based affordability efforts.
Office-to-Housing Conversions in Boston
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Collaborating with the Healey‑Driscoll Administration, Lydia secured $7.4 million in state funding to convert underused downtown Boston offices into nearly 200 new apartments — including income-restricted units — turning vacant spaces into vibrant community housing.
News & Updates
