Joe Curtatone, YIMBY Mayor

We want to say Yes In My Backyard with Joe Curtatone! 

January 03, 2018

Somerville YIMBY

We say “Yes In My Backyard” with Joe Curtatone!

Happy New Year Somervillians!

It seems we’re off with a bang.

In his 8th inaugural address on January 1st, Mayor Joe Curtatone laid out a very strong vision for Somerville, stating:

“…we’ve got to start finding ways to say, ‘Yes, in my backyard.’ Because to combat a housing shortage and address affordability, we need to be for building new housing.”

We absolutely agree! It’s thrilling to know that the mayor is in strong alignment with our vision for how we can grow Somerville so that we create opportunities for everyone.

The mayor presented a 10-point plan for affordability:

  1. Office of Housing Stability

  2. Transfer Fee (home rule)

  3. Housing Land Trust

  4. Stronger Condo Conversion Ordinance

  5. Expand lead paint removal program

  6. Rezone the city!

  7. Emergency rent stabilization program

  8. Regulate Airbnb

  9. DIF for affordable housing

  10. Tenant right to purchase (home rule)