Massachusetts is facing a housing crisis. Our world-class higher education institutions and our strong job market makes Boston one of the most desirable places in the country to live.  

We know that building more housing is only one piece of tackling our existing housing shortage. I support a multi-pronged approach to affordable housing production and preservation. I remain committed to fighting for rent control, public housing expansion, real estate transfer fees, zoning reform, transit-oriented development, and right to counsel for tenants. This is how we ensure that everyone in our state can keep or find a safe and affordable place to call home.  

Housing is a human right. I will continue to advocate for budget increases for rental vouchers, tenancy preservation programs, workforce housing development, and emergency assistance for both families and individuals.  

As Chair of the Housing Committee from 2003 to 2020, it was my job to bring everyone in the housing field — renters, landlords, advocates, property owners, developers, shelter providers and more —together to make housing affordable and accessible for all.  I sponsored the four largest bond bills in the history of the state, including a $1.8 billion affordable housing bond in 2018 and $600 million for the revitalization and subsidy of public housing in 2014.

One of my proudest accomplishments as Chair of Housing was helping to secure $46 million in funding for the Brighton Marine development project which will bring more than 100 mixed-income apartments to Boston for Veterans and their families.

I sponsored the Eviction Moratorium in March 2020 to protect thousands of residents hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill inspired dozens of similar laws across the country and made sure no one had to lose their homes during a difficult period.