Lets fix our housing

Inspired by a post last week, I decided to start looking into why Boston housing is so bad. Everyone knows the basic reasons (zoning, NIMBYs, public transit shortcomings), but I wanted to understand why these issues persist. What I found is that people supporting these initiatives are uncontested. While many of us voice our concerns online or on social media, this can easily be ignored by decision makers leaving them unaccountable to answer to any of our concerns. So what can we do? We need to show up at local housing authority meetings, demand answers, and make ourselves impossible to ignore.

How can we do this effectively?

The biggest thing you can do is just show up. Most housing authority meeting minute have a section detailing community input, these are almost always blank. Lets fill them with our voices.

Here is the action plan I'm using, and I hope you'll join me.

1. Come prepared

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."

  • Read the Agenda: Look up the meeting agenda beforehand (usually posted online). Highlight topics related to housing, zoning, or development.
  • Draft Talking Points: Write a short, clear statement about what you want to say. For example, “I support increasing multifamily housing because it will help make Boston more affordable.”
  • Bring Facts: Arm yourself with statistics or examples. Decision-makers respond better to well-reasoned arguments.

Speak up:

  • Most meetings have a public comment period. This is your chance to share your thoughts.
  • Focus on solutions: Instead of just opposing a policy, propose a better alternative.
  • Stay respectful but firm.

Ask questions:

  • “What steps is the Housing Authority taking to increase affordable housing?”
  • “How can zoning laws be updated to encourage more development?”
  • “What specific projects are planned to address housing shortages?”

Hold them accountable by requesting specific timelines or data.

Follow-up:

  • After the meeting, email officials to thank them for their time and reiterate your points.
  • Follow up on any unanswered questions. If you receive vague or unsatisfactory responses, make it known that the community expects better.

Below, I’ve listed details about upcoming Housing Authority meetings in the Boston area. Let’s coordinate and attend together. Tomorrow, I’ll be dedicating the day to answering your questions, helping people organize, and connecting with anyone inspired by this post.

Let’s DM each other, network, and work together. We are so much stronger united than alone. It’s time to demand the changes we want to see.

Let’s make Boston a city that works for everyone.

Boston Neighborhoods:

Boston's neighborhoods, including Allston, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mission Hill, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston (Southie), West End, and West Roxbury, are overseen by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA).

Details: https://www.boston.gov/public-notices/16273381

Surrounding Cities and Towns:

  • Arlington:
    • Arlington Housing Authority
      • Address: 4 Winslow Street, Arlington, MA 02474
      • Phone: (781) 646-3400
      • Website: Arlington Housing Authority
      • Meeting Information: Meeting schedules are posted on their website.
  • Belmont:
    • Belmont Housing Authority
      • Address: 59 Pearson Road, Belmont, MA 02478
      • Phone: (617) 484-2160
      • Website: Belmont Housing Authority
      • Meeting Information: Check their website for the latest meeting dates and times.
  • Brookline:
    • Brookline Housing Authority
      • Address: 90 Longwood Avenue, Brookline, MA 02446
      • Phone: (617) 277-2022
      • Website: Brookline Housing Authority
      • Meeting Information: Upcoming meetings are listed on their website.
  • Cambridge:
    • Cambridge Housing Authority
      • Address: 362 Green Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
      • Phone: (617) 864-3020
      • Website: Cambridge Housing Authority
      • Meeting Information: Visit their website for meeting schedules.
  • Chelsea:
    • Chelsea Housing Authority
      • Address: 54 Locke Street, Chelsea, MA 02150
      • Phone: (617) 884-5617
      • Website: Chelsea Housing Authority
      • Meeting Information: Details are available on their website.
  • Everett:
    • Everett Housing Authority
      • Address: 393 Ferry Street, Everett, MA 02149
      • Phone: (617) 387-6389
      • Website: Everett Housing Authority
      • Meeting Information: Check their website for updates.
  • Medford:
    • Medford Housing Authority
      • Address: 121 Riverside Avenue, Medford, MA 02155
      • Phone: (781) 396-7200
      • Website: Medford Housing Authority
      • Meeting Information: Meeting minutes and schedules are posted online.
  • Milton:
    • Milton Housing Authority
      • Address: 65 Miller Avenue, Milton, MA 02186
      • Phone: (617) 698-2162
      • Website: Milton Housing Authority
      • Meeting Information: Available on their website.
  • Newton:
    • Newton Housing Authority
      • Address: 82 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands, MA 02461
      • Phone: (617) 552-5501
      • Website: Newton Housing Authority
      • Meeting Information: Refer to their website for details.
  • Quincy:
    • Quincy Housing Authority
      • Address: 80 Clay Street, Quincy, MA 02170
      • Phone: (617) 847-4350
      • Website: Quincy Housing Authority
      • Meeting Information: Posted on their website.
  • Somerville:
    • Somerville Housing Authority
      • Address: 30 Memorial Road, Somerville, MA 02145