Facing a Housing Crisis, Salem Chose to Chart Its Own Path

Salem is a city with deep roots and strong character—but like many communities across Massachusetts, it’s grappling with a serious challenge: housing affordability.

Rents and home prices have been rising faster than local wages, and the city’s vibrant tourist economy, while a boon in many ways, has also tightened the housing market for year-round residents and workers. More and more, Salem locals found themselves struggling to stay in the community they call home.

That’s when the City turned to JM Goldson to help create a clear, actionable path forward.

We worked closely with city leaders and community members to shape the Salem Housing Road Map—a plan grounded in real stories, local data, and inclusive engagement. Residents raised concerns about the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing, the lack of options for vulnerable groups, and zoning barriers to building more diverse housing types. And we listened.

Our team, led by Jenn Goldson, translated this input into a comprehensive strategy. The Road Map outlines a powerful suite of solutions—from zoning changes and inclusionary housing requirements to expanded local assistance programs and protections against displacement.

But this isn’t just a list of policies. It’s a vision for a more stable, inclusive Salem—one where long-time residents, young families, and essential workers can afford to stay and thrive.

The Road Map was adopted in 2022, and its impact is already rippling out through ongoing initiatives. For Salem, this plan wasn’t about reacting to a crisis—it was about reclaiming control of their future.

Because in Salem, community matters. And so does having a place to call home.