April showers bring May news

Our dormer amendment is slowly making its way through the legislative process, the 2025 election is heating up, and it’s almost time for Porchfest: it must be spring. Here’s a quick update about what’s going on in the city.

Upcoming Events

April 30: Labor Spring Rally & Forum — Somerville Stands Together hosts a rally and forum on labor issues. Rally begins 5:15 in Union Square, followed by a forum at the Somerville Media Center on Properzi Way.

April 30: Housing and Climate Change — Newton for Everyone hosts a conversation about the connection between these two crises. 7:00 pm, both online and in-person options available.

May 2: Somerville YIMBY Monthly Social — Join us for an unstructured chat at 6:00 pm, in-person at Remnant Brewing in Bow Market.

May 4: Bay State Bike Month Kickoff Party — Party, with bicycles. 1:00 to 4:00 pm, in-person at Aeronaut Brewing.

May 7: Somerville Educators Union Rally — SEU members host a rally in support of ongoing union contract negotiations. In-person at the East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross Street. Rally at 4:30 pm, public hearing at 6:00.

May 14: Somerville YIMBY Monthly Meeting — Our regular business meeting. Agenda TBA, but largely focused on city council elections.

May 17: Union Square Neighborhood Council Election Voting Day 1 — 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, in-person at the Argenziano School, 290 Washington Street.

May 20: Union Square Neighborhood Council Election Voting Day 2 — 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, location TBA.

As always, you can find our Google calendar at somervilleyimby.org/calendar. If you notice we’ve missed an event, feel free to reply to this message and let us know!

Recommended Reading

“A YIMBY Theory of Power” — Writing for The Nation, Ned Resnikoff responds thoughtfully and in depth to leftist critiques of the abundance agenda.

“Why is Milton so Poor?” — Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung notes that Milton taxpayers are facing tax overrides and school budget cuts after voters blocked new growth.

“The Housing Tax Crisis” — About Here discusses the taxes that cities impose on new housing construction. Surprisingly engaging for a video about tax policy.

“Why Rents in Denver Will Continue to Fall This Year” — The Colorado Sun reports on a boom in apartment construction and the corresponding fall in rents.

“License to Kill” — CalMatters explores California’s inability to keep dangerous drivers off the road. A similar problem looms in Massachusetts.