Somerville YIMBY has more projects now than ever, and we could use your help! We’re supporting multiple efforts and need more hands to get them done. We know from polling that building more is a popular issue. It is critical for city staff, city councilors, and the community to actually hear more voices in favor of housing.
If you want to lend a hand please full out this short form!
Here are just some of the projects we are working on.
Upzoning: Somerville badly needs more housing and zoning is the first obstacle. We need to legalize dense housing before we can build it. We need your voice to support the zoning proposals that make it easier to build more housing.
Elections: Wards 2 and 3 will have special elections this spring, and we need your help supporting YIMBY candidates. Can you canvass, hand out flyers, hold a sign, or just talk to your neighbors? This will be a low-turnout, high-impact election, so your help matters a lot here!
Outreach: Between new residents and the growth of the pro-housing movement we need to be out in the field continuing to grow and educate. We need a hand to table events, write content for website and social media, or just talk to neighbors.
Every hand helps even if for a little while. Will you help us make Somerville a place for everyone?
Be Somerville: Join the ZBA or Urban Design Commission
The city is recruiting new members for the Zoning Board of Appeals and Urban Design Commission. Both roles are paid, take up a couple of evenings a month, and require only that you live in Somerville and care about the topic.
Join the ZBA: Submit a resume and letter of interest to [email protected]. Deadline: Monday, November 30.
Join the Urban Design Commission: Send a resume and letter of interest to [email protected]. Open until filled.
Events
Monday, November 2: How to Be a Good Neighbor — Housing advocacy also means standing with people experiencing homelessness. The Somerville Homeless Coalition and the Somerville Public Library Social Work Program are conducting this training to help community members engage with neighbors who are experiencing homelessness or spending time on the streets. 5:30—7:00 PM at West Branch Library.
Thursday, November 5: Land Use Committee — A proposal to restrict accessory dwelling units (ADUs) is on the agenda. The committee will also discuss several changes to zoning in the Boynton Yards neighborhood.
Friday, November 6: Somerville YIMBY Monthly Meetup — Join us at Remnant Brewing in Bow Market for conversation, snacks, and drinks. 6:00 pm, in person.
Monday, November 30: How to Be a Good Neighbor — Second session of this training. 5:30—7:00 PM at Central Library.
Recommended Reading
Cambridge housing fight reveals deep generational divide: Multifamily housing has broad support, but not across all ages groups.
City of Yes Added Five Apartments to a Queens Building Already Under Construction: How small changes to zoning and a tax break led to less parking, more homes, and more affordable homes
The Symbolic Politics of Housing: The YIMBY-NIMBY divide breaks the typical left-right paradigm. Research points to people judging housing policy based on who they perceive benefits from it rather than evaluating the policy.