Welcome to Abundant Housing Massachusetts January 26, 2026 edition of AHMA’s Boston Newsletter. In this edition you will find policy and advocacy updates, ways to get involved at AHMA, relevant housing news, and more!
A Message From Our Boston Organizer
A new year is underway in Boston, and with it comes a new City Council term. Mayor Michelle Wu has officially been sworn in for a second term, alongside 13 members of the Boston City Council. Congratulations to Mayor Wu and the entire Council — we’re excited to continue the important work ahead.
The first Boston City Council meeting of the year is distinct in electing leadership, including the Boston City Council President, who oversees and shapes the legislative agenda over the next two years of a council term. Following a vote, the Boston City Council elected Councilor Liz Breadon as the new Council President. Congratulations Council President Breadon!
Once leadership is established committee assignments come next. These assignments can shift from term to term and determine which policy areas each councilor will focus on. Committee assignments are crucial to our advocacy efforts because proposed legislation at Boston City Hall does not immediately go to a vote. Corresponding committees discuss amongst their city councilors and the public – yes you! Public hearings are specifically held space for you to interact with the council, share your perspective, and is one of the most crucial steps you can take as a Boston resident! Whether it’s reaching out to get a streetlight or pothole fixed or voicing your support for a development, don’t be shy to reach out to an At-Large or your district councilor, you too, hold power in shaping our city.
The committees that directly intersect with our mission are:
- Housing and Community Development chaired by Councilor Pepen (District 5) and vice chaired by Councilor Culpepper (District 7)
- Planning, Development and Transportation chaired by Councilor Durkan (District 8) and vice chaired by Councilor Fitzgerald (District 3).
The council is expected to vote on the committee assignments and approve its rules for the session during a meeting this Wednesday Jan. 28.
Since 2022, Boston has accomplished:
- A new Tenant Stabilization Fund and Access to Counsel Pilot Program launched to support residents facing housing instability
- Increased access to affordable housing through better marketing and application processes for residents and a reduction of 26% in approval time for new affordable housing development
- Downtown Zoning and PLAN: Downtown Amendments approved by BPDA Board. This new zoning strengthens protections for Downtown’s historic and cultural assets, streamlines pathways for adaptive reuse of buildings, and enables the essential housing and mixed-use density that Downtown needs to grow as a vibrant and more inclusive neighborhood for generations to come.
- Roslindale Square Small Area Plan and accompanying zoning amendments were adopted by the ZBA Board. This is the first small area plan that has been completed as part of the Squares+Streets initiative.
These are amazing accomplishments and a testament to the kind of Boston we can build for everyone. However, the work continues as there is more to do to achieve more homes for all. A recent poll from the MassInc Polling Group, commissioned by Abundant Housing MA, found that overwhelming majorities of Boston residents want the city to take stronger action to address the housing shortage. Renters and homeowners alike believe that we can do so much more to address the housing shortage and build more homes in our communities.
As Mayor Michelle Wu stated in her inaugural address, “We can build the futures our families deserve.” To learn more ways to build the futures our families deserve, read more in this newsletter.
Last Call: HAA Working Group
Step into your power and support pro-active, pro-housing policies and people power by showcasing your skillset with neighbors citywide.
AHMA is convening a working group of Boston-based AHMA members to draft a zoning text that would incorporate our Housing Abundance Amendment into Boston’s zoning code. The working group will help clarify the specifics of each policy and discuss potential additional policies to be added.
Members of the working group will be responsible for:
- Attending regular zoom meetings
- Familiarizing with AHMA’s HAA
- Working with group members to draft zoning text language
Please fill out our interest form if you would like to be a part of this working group!
Better Parking For Boston Volunteer Group
Better Parking for Boston was started as a volunteer group in collaboration with AHMA to tackle parking reform in the city. This group is focused on cutting wasteful parking mandates and fostering communities with more homes, vibrant and walkable streets and greener spaces. Members will learn the high cost of parking and how it impacts how we view development and living.
Members of Better Parking for Boston will be responsible for:
- Attending regular monthly meetings via Zoom
- Familiarizing with parking mandates in Boston
- Working with group members to draft zoning text language
Please reach out to elvira@abundanthousingma.org if you have any questions or join Better Parking for Boston directly below.