# Massachusetts Upholds MBTA Communities Law

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has upheld the constitutionality of the MBTA Communities Law, rejecting claims from the town of Marshfield that the law constitutes an unfunded mandate. This ruling mandates municipal compliance with the law, reinforcing state efforts to address housing shortages through development requirements in communities served by the MBTA transit system. Procurement professionals and contractors involved in housing, urban development, and municipal infrastructure projects in Massachusetts should anticipate increased demand for services aligned with these compliance requirements.

- **Why this matters:** Municipalities must comply with the MBTA Communities Law, which may increase procurement opportunities related to housing development, zoning, and infrastructure improvements.
- The ruling clarifies legal certainty for agencies and contractors working on state-mandated housing initiatives.
- Companies specializing in construction, planning, and consulting services should evaluate how this decision impacts upcoming municipal contracts and development projects.
- Procurement teams should prepare for potential increases in contract solicitations driven by compliance enforcement and housing development mandates.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 19, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of the Attorney General
- Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC)
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts

### Key Quotes
> Today28099s decision by the SJC rejects Marshfield28099s claim that the MBTA Communities Law is an unfunded mandate and reaffirms that the Law is constitutional and compliance is mandatory.
> — Andrea Joy Campbell, Attorney General

### Sources
- [AG Campbell Issues Statement After SJC Rejects Marshfield’s Claims Challenging The MBTA Communities Law | Mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-campbell-issues-statement-after-sjc-rejects-marshfields-claims-challenging-the-mbta-communities-law) - MA