Massachusetts Is Putting Starter Homes on the Ballot

About this episode

Massachusetts voters are being asked a surprisingly simple housing question: Should a single-family home be legal on a 5,000-square-foot lot with public sewer and water? Chuck talks with Andrew Mikula, a Boston policy researcher who spearheaded the volunteer effort behind Question 7, the ballot measure that would make that standard legal statewide. Andrew explains why the coalition chose such a modest baseline, how much control cities would still keep, and what infrastructure and affordability have to do with a seemingly small change in lot size. The ballot question sets the baseline, but the next fight is much more local: turning that rule into something that actually works in existing neighborhoods. Additional Show Notes • Andrew Mikula (LinkedIn) • Yes on 7 (Site, Instagram, Facebook) • State Preemption Should Help Cities Become Better Cities (Article) • Chuck Marohn (Substack)   This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you! Join fellow members discussing this episode in The Commons.