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Federal and state push for transportation‑housing coordination

Nels Nelson

SOLUTIONS

A quiet but consequential shift is reshaping transportation planning: the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law permanently amended federal code to embed housing considerations in every metropolitan planning organization’s core duties. This post explains the new mandates, from scoring projects on how well they connect housing and employment to requiring housing officials as participants and inviting stand-alone Housing Coordination Plans, and how certification reviews and funding approvals now test for compliance. It then details how Massachusetts implemented the change through MassDOT guidance and draws on CommunityScale’s work with MPOs and regional organizations, which now have a statutory need for housing analytics, scenario modeling, and cross-sector facilitation.

Federal and state push for transportation‑housing coordination

Congress’ Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL, November 2021) permanently amended 23 U.S.C. 134 (Section 30002) to embed housing considerations in every metropolitan planning organization’s (MPO’s) core duties. The statute is not tied to BIL’s FY 2022‑26 funding window that remains in force until Congress modifies the code again.

Key federal mandates now in effect:

  • National policy: Safe, efficient surface‑transportation systems will receive better scores if they “better connect housing and employment.”
  • Planning factors: MPOs should assess how proposed projects align with state and local housing patterns.
  • Stakeholders: Housing officials and affordable‑housing nonprofits are required participants.
  • Optional deliverable: MPOs serving Transportation Management Areas may produce a stand‑alone Housing Coordination Plan to integrate housing, mobility, and economic development strategies.

MPO certification reviews, Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) funds from FHWA‑PL and FTA‑5303, Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) approvals, and Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) updates will all be examined for compliance with these elements. Transportation MPOs now have a statutory need for housing analytics, scenario modeling, and cross‑sector facilitation. 

How Massachusetts responded

MassDOT’s FY 2025‑29 STIP/TIP/UPWP Guidance Packet (Jan 2024) is explicit state‑level implementation. Highlights:

  • Budget expectations – MPOs should reserve UPWP funds for housing‑coordination tasks.
  • Partner directives – MPOs are encouraged to collaborate with local housing departments, the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, and the Complete Neighborhoods Initiative on TOD and affordability analyses.
  • Performance documentation – TIP project sheets should show how investments support state and local housing‑production goals.

Our experience with MPOs

CommunityScale’s team members has consulted with the following MPOs and regional organizations on housing issues, often in conjunction with transportation planning: