Fighting Against Being Pushed Out
All over Boston, neighborhood groups are fighting back against rising prices. People have come together to ask for rent control, cheaper housing, and rules to stop unfair evictions. Groups like Boston Tenant Coalition, City Life/Vida Urbana, and Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative are helping lead this fight.
Rent Control and New Rules
In 2023, Mayor Michelle Wu tried to bring in new rent rules. While landlords pushed back hard, it got people talking across the state. Rent control has been against the law in Massachusetts since 1994, but as costs keep going up, more people want to change this.
Community-Owned Land
Groups like Dudley Neighbors Inc. have found a way to keep homes cheap. They buy land and make sure it stays out of the hands of big investors. This means homes built there stay cheaper. It gives neighborhoods more power to keep longtime residents in their homes.
"Housing shouldn't be something only rich people can get. It should be for everyone."
Through working together, pushing for better laws, and taking direct action, many Boston neighborhoods are standing up for themselves. These fixes won't solve everything right away, but they show that people won't give up without a fight.