Housing Trust Strategic Plan
Strategic Action for Housing in South Hadley
Nestled along the Connecticut River in western Massachusetts, South Hadley is known for its historic villages, scenic open spaces, and the presence of Mount Holyoke College. Like many New England towns, it is balancing its historic charm with the challenges of rising housing costs, an aging population, and limited options for families and individuals with modest incomes. Today, only about 5.8% of the town’s homes count toward the state’s affordable housing goal, well short of the required 10%.
To help address this gap, JM Goldson worked with the Town to prepare the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan for the South Hadley Affordable Housing Trust. This five-year roadmap establishes the Trust’s mission, goals, and priority actions, equipping it to become a local tool for creating and preserving affordable housing.
The plan provides a framework for how the Trust will operate, focusing on securing reliable funding, launching direct assistance programs, advancing development and redevelopment opportunities, and engaging the community in dialogue about housing. It also emphasizes climate resilience, ensuring that new homes are built or rehabilitated with sustainability in mind.
Priority actions include launching a rental and home repair assistance program, identifying redevelopment opportunities on underutilized properties, building partnerships with regional institutions like the Five Colleges, and advocating for zoning changes to allow a broader mix of housing types.
By setting a clear and practical course of action, the Strategic Plan positions the South Hadley Affordable Housing Trust to take an active role in addressing the town’s housing needs. It reflects community values of inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience while laying the groundwork for long-term progress.
