MA residents are faced with a high number of ballot questions this fall. One attempts to deal with our housing shortage: Question 7. It asks whether the state should require cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth to allow homes on smaller lots. This could create 2,200 to 5,700 homes per year. The state set a 2035 goal of 220,000 new homes to stabilize prices, and this could be a key component of making that happen.

These modest homes will be great for young families looking to by their first place. Seniors looking to downsize will also be able to find more places that work for their needs. These new homes will also be more affordable than the McMansions that are effectively the only thing allowed to be built in many suburban communities.

We hope you will join us and many others across the state in voting Yes on Question 7.

Wednesday, October 14: Zoning Board of Appeals — Target seeks to expand into neighboring vacant storefront

Thursday, October 15: Land Use Committee — Discussion of level entry, backyard cottages, parking maximums, side entrances, and affordable home language updates.

Friday, October 16: A Low-Cost-of-Capital Approach to Supporting Below-Market Rents — Researchers discuss proposing a program to provide cheaper capital to developers who agree to limit rents

Wednesday, October 21: JP YIMBY Ghost Projects Walk — JP YIMBY leads a tour of sites where proposals to build housing were killed, are zombies, or are back from the dead. Candy will be provided. 7:30 PM in person starting by Forest Hills T Station.

Wednesday, October 28: Somerville YIMBY Monthly Meeting — Join us to talk strategy, the upcoming special election for City Council, and more. 6:00 pm, online via Zoom.

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.

Small homes, big potential: Boston Globe Editorial Board also endorses Yes on Question 7

Don’t Say When: There is no such thing as a place being “full” or “done.”

Seattle software engineer turned general contractor built an AI guide to the patchwork of permit rules: There are too many rules to build a back porch, so someone built a free tool to help others.

The YIMBY Revolution Will Be Litigated: The YIMBY movement has been slowly building the laws, legal precedents, case law needed to support housing reform in the long run.