MetroFuture’s implementation strategies—notably strategies #1 (“Implement Coordinated Plans”) and #4 (“Enable Compact Growth”)—rely upon the successful execution of land use planning at the local level.  As such, in conjunction with other initiatives, MetroFuture champions statutory reforms with its Zoning Reform Campaign. 

To promote its MetroFuture strategies, MAPC has been working with officials and allied organizations—such as the MA Smart Growth Alliance and Governor Patrick’s Zoning Reform Task Force—to advocate for smart growth-oriented statutory reforms relative to local zoning in recent years.  In particular, MAPC has spent considerable time considering two related bills in the Legislature: An Act Relative to Land Use (“LUPA”) and An Act Relative to Community Planning (“CPA-2”). 

Among these bills, MAPC favors the following reform elements:

1. Transfer of development rights
2. Inclusionary zoning
3. Site plan review
4. Impact fees
5. Form-based zoning codes

Likewise, in October 2009 and January 2010, the agency submitted legislative testimony to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.  At a May 26 hearing on zoning reform before the Committee, and in subsequent discussions with legislators, planners, and municipal leaders, MAPC staff heard significant interest in creating a hybrid bill that would satisfy a wide range of concerns.  Likewise, on June 17, the Municipalities Committee filed a bill with such aims: the Comprehensive Land Use Reform and Partnership Act.