What began just a few years ago as a small yet mighty set of advocates in a few communities has grown into Abundant Housing MA (AHMA), a robust statewide organization playing a leading role in one of the most significant zoning reforms in Massachusetts history.
This past year AHMA played a pivotal role in the passage of the Accessory Dwelling Units by-right statewide provision in the Affordable Homes Act! With support from key pro-housing legislators in both the house and senate, we were able to successfully pass a statewide law that will potentially provide over 8,000 new homes for current and future residents in Massachusetts. The Affordable Homes Act is an additional tool in our advocacy toolbox to help alleviate our current housing shortage.
Additionally, AHMA worked in various communities across the commonwealth in supporting the implementation of MBTA Communities Act. With our support, hundreds of residents in 24 cities and towns launched organizing and education campaigns to build more support for homes in their communities. AHMA hosted dozens of events and curated original training sessions to build the organizing skills of local pro-housing advocates. This work also includes tabling at various community events, writing op-eds & letters to the editors to their local papers, text banking neighbors, organizing speakers for town meetings, etc.
The impact of our grassroots work has been clear. There is a continual need for state-wide agency with a local organizing lens. Through our work with affiliates, pro-housing residents have grown their bases by organizing themselves and their neighbors, they’ve elected pro-housing voices to key town meetings or appointed seats and activated new pro-housing voices through effective grassroots advocacy strategies.
This year’s awardees:
ROOKIES OF THE YEAR for two of our brand new affiliate organizations organizing for change in their community. This year we will recognize both Norwood For All & Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin — two brand new groups of residents working to address the housing crisis through advocacy for abundant and affordable homes.
PARTNER OF THE YEAR for one of our partners in the fight for more housing here in Massachusetts. This year the award is going to CHAPA’s MEI Team.
LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR for a state or local legislator who went above and beyond to push the pro-housing agenda forward. This year the award is going to State Senator Lydia Edwards & State Representative Jim Arciero.
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM
Location: Aeronaut Brewing Company (14 tyler st. somerville,MA 02143)
Early Bird Special:
Purchase your Celebration of Abundance ticket before October 31st and receive a limited edition AHMA Triple Decor Pin! Pins are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.
Pin Designed By Juliet Eldred
AHMA Board of Directors and Executive Staff
AHMA Staff
Rookie of the Year: Waltham Inclusive Neighborhoods
Legislator of the Year: Rep. Andy Vargas
Rookie of the Year: Housing For All Watertown
Partner of the Year: The Black Economic Council of MA