CHAPA's Statement on Town of Milton's Vote

On Wednesday, February 14th, 2024, residents of Milton voted no on a bright and inclusive future for their community. At a time when people across income levels are feeling the pain of escalating home prices and rents, CHAPA is disappointed that Milton voters chose the status quo that keeps their gates closed and limits opportunities for people to have homes they can afford in the neighborhoods they love. Milton’s vote impacts people, our region, and our economy. 

CHAPA applauds Arlington, Braintree, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Danvers, Dedham, Essex, Everett, Grafton, Haverhill, Lakeville, Lexington, Lowell, Malden, Mansfield, Medford, Newton, Northbridge, Pembroke, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Somerville, Stoneham, Taunton, and Wareham, who have submitted applications to the state for approval of multifamily zoning districts that will foster a vibrant and inclusive future. We hope Milton residents will come together to adopt a multifamily zoning district that complies with the law and join so many other communities in saying yes to a future where everyone can thrive.

Municipalities have a collective responsibility to ensure we are part of fostering a healthy and vibrant Commonwealth. Housing is the best investment every community can make for a strong future. CHAPA stands ready to support Milton and all MBTA Communities in complying with the law and allowing the multifamily housing we need for dynamic communities where kids can grow up near their grandparents, businesses thrive, renters can become homeowners, and people can stay in the neighborhoods they love.

Since March 2022, CHAPA’s Municipal Engagement Initiative (MEI) has supported Milton residents as they have grown a strong coalition of neighbors supporting affordable housing. CHAPA and our MEI team will continue to support Yes for Milton volunteers and Affordable and Inclusive Milton (AIM) in their local advocacy efforts to say “yes” to more affordable housing. 

As we support Milton in being part of the Commonwealth’s housing solutions, we look to the leadership of Attorney General Andrea Campbell, who, on January 16th, wrote to the Town of Milton “Should the Town chart a course in contravention of state law, however, the Attorney General’s Office will carry out its responsibility to enforce the law, without hesitation.”

Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) supported the Yes for Milton campaign alongside the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC), Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance(MAHA), and Abundant Housing Massachusetts (AHMA) and released a joint statement before the vote.