What’s New

Homeowners, take note: we’ve launched a new ADU How-To page to help you explore whether an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is right for you. Whether you’re interested in downsizing, creating housing for a family member, or generating rental income, the page walks through the basics of planning and building an ADU.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration launched the statewide challenge with a clear goal: make it easier, more affordable, and more inspiring for property owners to build ADUs. Now, the results are in—and they’re worth a look. The newly released ADU Design Challenge Showcase highlights a collection of winning and qualified designs that bring creativity, flexibility, and practicality together.

There’s good news for aspiring homeowners across Massachusetts—including here in the Northern Berkshires. MassHousing has expanded its homebuyer assistance program, making up to $25,000 in interest-free down payment support available to more first-time buyers.

When people hear about the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP), they often assume it’s designed only for individual homeowners. While it’s true that HMLP helps families make critical accessibility upgrades, many don’t realize that this program is also a powerful tool for small landlords.

The ADU Incentive Program, led by Massachusetts Housing Partnership in collaboration with Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, supports homeowners building accessory dwelling units through outreach, education, and technical and financial assistance, helping advance projects while expanding housing options statewide.

At our ADU Financing 101 panel, attendees explored local financing options for building accessory dwelling units. Myla Franklin and Brett Roberts highlighted loan programs, energy-efficiency incentives, and flexible lending tools that help homeowners create new housing opportunities in their communities.

Join our ADU Financing 101 webinar to learn about Massachusetts’ new ADU financing program, home equity strategies, and low-interest loans for ADUs—plus eligibility, real-world options, and next steps.

MassHousing will offer a new ADU loan program providing fixed-rate second mortgages—up to $250,000 for detached and $150,000 for attached units—to help low- and moderate-income homeowners build accessory units.

Governor Maura Healey today announced a new statewide campaign to make it easier and more affordable for residents to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — and North Adams is already ahead of the curve!

Congratulations to the winners of the Small & Smart Design Awards! Fifty creative submissions—including outstanding student designs—highlighted innovative, small-scale housing solutions. See the winning ADU concepts online!

The North Adams Partnership is proud to announce the winners of the Small & Smart ADU Design Challenge, a community design competition that invited residents, students, and professionals to create innovative, age-friendly housing solutions for North Adams.

Come connect with designers, community members, and housing advocates as we celebrate the ideas shaping the future of housing in North Adams.

The North Adams Partnership launches the Small & Smart ADU Design Challenge, inviting creative, accessible housing solutions to support aging, affordability, and community resilience.

North Adams Partnership Awarded AARP Grant to Launch Innovative ADU Design Challenge Supporting Senior Housing

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has published the first housing needs assessment and housing plan in a generation, as part of the Affordable Homes Act. The plan was published on February 6, 2025 and outlines a plan to create over 220,000 new housing units statewide over the next five years.