Town of Canton Designated as Housing Choice Community

New affordable Town Homes are under construction along Neponset Street adjacent to Paul Revere Heritage Park. (Photo Courtesy Town of Canton)

CANTON — Town Administrator Charles E. Doody and Affordable Housing Coordinator Kevin Shea are proud to announce that the Town of Canton has been designated a Housing Choice Community by the Healey-Driscoll Administration.

“On behalf of Gov. Maura T. Healey and Lt. Gov. Kimberley Driscoll, I am pleased to inform you that the Town of Canton has been designated as a Housing Choice Community,” Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) Secretary Edward M. Augustus Jr. wrote to Canton town officials on July 10. “This five-year designation recognizes your community’s recent efforts to support housing production.”

On Tuesday, July 29, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced 43 cities and towns across Massachusetts that recently earned the 2025 Housing Choice Community designation, gaining access to exclusive state funding opportunities and technical assistance that support housing growth and local planning.

The 43 new communities, including Canton, join 34 already designated communities, which together have produced more than 77% of the new housing in the Commonwealth over the last five years.

The Town of Canton reported 424 new affordable housing units created, a 4.29% increase between 2020-24. The Town had to create at least 300 units (or a 3% increase) to meet designation criteria.

“The high cost of housing is one of the greatest challenges facing Massachusetts residents, and communities across the state are stepping up to meet it,” said Gov. Healey. “It’s great that these 43 cities and towns are doing the work to create more reasonably-priced homes, support their residents and lead by example. The Housing Choice designation is one of the many ways we partner with communities to help them build housing and lower costs for us all.” 

Now in its eighth year, the Housing Choice Initiative recognizes communities that are adopting policies that support increased housing production and lower costs.

“With this designation, you are eligible to apply for the Housing Choice Grant Program, an exclusive grant program through the Community One Stop for Growth,” Secretary Augustus informed the Town of Canton. 

The Community One Stop for Growth is now the Commonwealth’s main vehicle for public economic development investment, combining 12 of the state’s most popular community-focused economic development and housing grant programs into a single application portal and collaborative review process.

“This program is all about partnering with communities to make housing more affordable for everyone,” said Lt. Gov. Driscoll. “We’ve seen incredible momentum this year from communities that have shown commitment not only to building more housing but doing it thoughtfully with affordability front of mind.”

With the Housing Choice Community designation, the Town of Canton will now also receive special consideration in nine other state programs, including the Gateway City Parks Program and Land Use Planning Assistance Grants.

“Increasing our community’s inventory of affordable housing units has been a top priority,” said Canton Town Administrator Doody. “For the Town of Canton to thrive, we need to provide our residents with affordable housing options. We’re thrilled that our proactive efforts have now been recognized by our state government, and we plan to make the most of the perks this designation provides.”

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