Wednesday, February 17, 2021 On January 14, 2021, Massachusetts’ Governor Charlie Baker signed a comprehensive economic development bill H.5250 (the “Act”) which aims to infuse more than $600 million into the pandemic-ravaged Massachusetts economy by supporting businesses, encouraging job growth, and spurring housing development. Included with the development and funding provisions, the Act revised portions of General Laws c. 40A (the “Zoning Act”) relating to appeals of municipal zoning decisions, thresholds for municipalities to enact or amend zoning bylaws and ordinances, and incentives for municipalities to encourage transit-oriented development, multifamily housing, and mixed-use development. Developers and municipalities alike should be encouraged by these changes which are aimed at boosting development across the Commonwealth.