BOSTON — A new coalition opposing a proposed statewide rent control ballot question is set to launch its campaign Thursday, arguing that the measure would worsen Massachusetts’ housing shortage and discourage new development.
Housing for Massachusetts (HFM), a ballot committee formed to oppose the initiative, will formally kick off its campaign at an event scheduled for 11 a.m. on Beacon Hill at the Church on the Hill. The group describes itself as a broad coalition of Massachusetts residents, small property owners, family-owned real estate companies, affordable housing developers, housing advocates, and business leaders concerned about housing affordability and availability across the state.
The ballot proposal, if approved by voters, would impose what HFM calls the most restrictive statewide rent control policy in the nation, applying uniformly to all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Supporters of the opposition effort argue that such a mandate would limit local flexibility while discouraging housing investment at a time when the state faces a severe housing shortage.
“Massachusetts voters banned rent control in 1994 for a reason — it doesn’t work,” HFM said in a statement announcing the campaign launch. The group points to multiple studies, including research on Cambridge conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which found that rent control policies reduced housing supply, lowered property values, and led to decreased maintenance of existing buildings.
According to the coalition, the effects of rent control would extend beyond renters and landlords, impacting homeowners, communities, and the broader state economy by further constraining housing production. HFM leaders say their campaign will focus on educating voters about the long-term consequences of rent control and advocating for policies they believe will increase housing creation and improve affordability statewide.
Speakers at Thursday’s event will include Amir Shahsavari, president of the Small Property Owners Association; Kelvin Akyeampong and Alex Guardiola, both small property owners; Helen Shiner, interim executive director of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce; Revere City Councilor-at-Large Marc Silvestri; Denise Jillson, a leader of the 1994 campaign to repeal rent control; and Conor Yunits, chair of Housing for Massachusetts.
The launch marks the beginning of what is expected to be a high-profile and closely watched debate as Massachusetts voters consider the future of rent regulation amid rising housing costs and limited supply.
