Valley Residents Invited to Help Shape the Region’s Housing Future
Photo: Hawaii State Public Library System. Creative commons
PVPC launches Regional Housing Plan Update Survey to gather community input across all 43 cities and towns
Source: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) is inviting residents throughout Hampshire and Hampden Counties to participate in a new public survey that will help guide the update of the commission’s Regional Housing Plan, a strategic roadmap for addressing housing needs across the Pioneer Valley’s 43 cities and towns.
Residents can complete the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
The survey seeks input from renters, homeowners, and residents with other living arrangements about their housing experiences, challenges, and priorities. Community feedback will help ensure that the Regional Housing Plan reflects the lived experiences of residents and informs future housing policies and investments across the region.
“The Pioneer Valley is facing a range of housing challenges that affect people at every stage of life,” said Laura Bandara, PVPC’s Deputy Director of Land Use and Environment. “We want to hear directly from residents about what’s working in their communities, the housing challenges they face, and the types of housing opportunities they believe are needed for the future.”
The survey comes at a critical time. According to the PVPC’s recent review of the data, the region’s population has remained relatively stable, but household growth continues as more people live in one- and two-person households. The assessment indicates nearly one-third of all households in the region consist of a single person living alone.
The housing assessment also identifies several trends that will shape the region’s future housing needs:
- The Pioneer Valley’s population is aging rapidly, with older adults now outnumbering children in many communities.
- Household growth is expected to continue even if overall population growth remains slow.
- The region could face a projected housing shortfall of approximately 14,500 housing units by 2035 if current development patterns continue.
- Housing affordability challenges continue to affect renters, homebuyers, older adults on fixed incomes, and many working families.
The survey asks residents about neighborhood quality, housing affordability, housing conditions, future housing preferences, climate resilience, and potential regulation changes that could expand housing opportunities. Participants also have the opportunity to identify the types of housing most needed in their communities, including affordable rentals, starter homes, and accessible housing for older adults, among others.
PVPC is particularly interested in hearing from residents who have experienced housing-related challenges, including difficulty affording housing costs, finding suitable housing, addressing maintenance issues, or accessing affordable housing programs.
The survey takes approximately five to seven minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. Residents may provide their email address and will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card.
About the Regional Housing Plan Update
PVPC is leading an update of the Pioneer Valley Regional Housing Plan, last adopted in 2014, using current data to shape an equity focused strategy that responds to housing challenges in the Pioneer Valley and across Massachusetts. Working in partnership with all 43 cities and towns in Hampden and Hampshire Counties, along with regional housing providers, nonprofits, planners, developers, and other key partners, PVPC will assess housing needs, identify and advance strategies for building new housing, modernize zoning and land use approaches, and promote climate resilient and sustainable development.
This work will be supported by strong regional coordination and inclusive public engagement. The updated Regional Housing Plan will equip communities and partners with clear, actionable strategies to expand affordable housing, reduce displacement, and align local efforts with statewide housing and climate goals, strengthening the Pioneer Valley’s path toward a more equitable and resilient future.
About PVPC
The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission serves the 43 cities and towns of Hampden and Hampshire Counties, providing regional planning, technical assistance, and leadership on issues including transportation, housing, economic development, land use, environmental planning, and public health.
PVPC is the primary agency responsible for increasing communication, cooperation, and coordination among all levels of government as well as the private business and civic sectors in order to benefit the Pioneer Valley region and to improve its residents’ quality of life.
Visit the new PVPC.org, or find PVPC online: Instagram @pvpcma, Facebook @PVPC MA, Bluesky @pvpcma.bsky.social.