Boston Indicators (which analyzes key indicators of well-being and researches “promising ideas for making our region more prosperous, equitable and just”) released “Delayed by Design,” a study of how local permitting delays, particularly from discretionary review and procedural hurdles, stymie housing development, even when a project is technically permissible under local zoning. The study includes historical context on local downzoning trends in our communities since the 1950s, which have led to a situation in which much of Massachusetts’ housing stock is now “pre-existing nonconforming,” meaning it was legal when built but could not be recreated under today’s rules. It explores case studies from our region, cites recent efforts at regional and statewide permitting reform, and recommends solutions that streamline discretional review.