<a href="https://reason.com/volokh/2025/08/13/my-new-boston-globe-article-on-why-massachusetts-should-reject-rent-control-and-instead-end-exclusionary-zoning/" target="_blank">View original image source</a>.
Massachusetts is on the brink of a major decision regarding rent control, with a measure possibly hitting the 2026 ballot. Advocates claim that rent control will rescue the state from its housing crisis, but let’s be real—experts say it’s more of a disaster than a cure. There’s a compelling argument that rent control actually makes things worse by contributing to a housing shortage.
Instead, the spotlight should be on banning exclusionary zoning, a policy that restricts how and what housing can be built. By lifting these barriers, Massachusetts can boost housing construction and make homes more affordable, empowering property owners and reducing homelessness in the process. Imagine living in a neighborhood where your options aren’t limited to overpriced shoeboxes!
Zoning laws are often seen as rules protecting current homeowners, but what if they’re really just keeping opportunities out? The idea of letting property owners decide how to use their land—or embracing “YIMBYism” for “Yes in My Backyard”—could lead to significant economic growth and more diverse communities.
So, what do you think? Would you be in favor of changing these zoning laws if it meant more affordable housing for everyone? Let’s spark a debate!
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