Advocates Call for Action on Housing in Massachusetts

BOSTON – On May 27, pro-housing advocates were joined by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Senator Brendan Crighton, Representative Andres Vargas, and recent Marblehead Town Meeting viral sensation town resident David Modica to promote aff ordable and accessible housing across Massachusetts. Advocates also rallied for the passage of the YIMBY Bill (H.1572 / S.2836) and other key pro-housing legislation before the session ends in July.

Poll after poll has shown that not only do an overwhelming majority of MA residents (84% in the latest poll) want meaningful action on housing costs right now, without delay – they also say they’ll base their support in legislative elections for candidates who champion real housing solutions.

Housing affordability has consistently ranked as the top issue in the economy in recent surveys from across the state. The YIMBY bill would make it easier to build starter homes, reduce costly parking mandates, and simplify and streamline regulations to make development faster, more efficient, and more affordable. With just a couple of months left in the legislature’s session, advocates urged their representatives to keep moving the ball forward on housing after notable progress like the legalization of ADUs statewide.

“Housing has been a top priority for our administration since day one. We have been laser focused on lowering costs and increasing access to reasonably priced homes for people across the state. It was great to join advocates and legislators at the State House to support ways to make it easier and more affordable to find a place to live in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.

“As one of the proud sponsors of the Yes in My Back Yard legislation, I believe that with the proper tools, we can make real progress on the Commonwealth’s housing crisis. It was heartening to hear from housing advocates from across the state who also know that with bold and comprehensive actions, we can make a difference,” said Senator Brendan Crighton.

“Housing is our most urgent challenge, and we must take bold, proactive steps to create more homes for our families. I was proud to stand with supporters of pro-housing policies today to help build a Massachusetts our families can actually afford to call home,” said Representative Andy Vargas.

About Abundant Housing Massachusetts
Abundant Housing Massachusetts is a non-profit organization founded in 2020 to advocate for the creation of abundant housing for all and to develop and support a network of grassroots, pro-housing groups and activists across Massachusetts. AHMA is committed to fostering a movement that includes diverse voices, geography, and people with different lived experiences to help shape an inclusive statewide pro-housing network.
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