Navigating Local and State Political Dynamics in Housing Reform

Burhan Azeem and Jesse Kanson-Benanav tell the story of Cambridge's significant zoning reforms, including eliminating single-family zoning and allowing six-story buildings citywide. These reforms, which could increase housing capacity in Cambridge by almost as much as the rest of Massachusetts combined, were made possible with electoral support and advocacy efforts spanning over a decade. Further, they stress the reciprocity of state action that can complement local efforts in achieving housing abundance.