Re-affirming support for An Act Enabling Local Options for Tenant Protections, also known as the Tenant Protection Act (HD.3922 & SD.2368).

WHEREAS: An Act Enabling Local Options for Tenant Protections," also known as the Tenant Protection Act (HD.3922 & SD.2368) has been re-filed this term, and WHEREAS: The City of Somerville is facing an affordable housing crisis that is particularly acute for tenants and low-income residents; and has undertaken bold action within our municipal authority to address this crisis, including the establishment of 20% inclusionary zoning, the creation of the Office of Housing Stability, the creation of strong regulations for short-term rentals, the overhauling of our Condo Conversion Ordinance, the passage of a Tenant Notification Act, and passage of a Zoning Atlas that aligns with robust goals for housing production, especially near transit nodes; and WHEREAS: The City Council of Somerville and Mayor of Somerville have previously Resolved in strong support of the Tenant Protection Act, which closely aligns with multiple municipal housing priorities and Home Rule Petitions passed by the City of Somerville, namely the Real Estate Transfer Fee and the Tenants Right to Purchase; and WHEREAS: The Tenant Protection Act is a local option bill that would allow Somerville’s elected officials to consider enacting tenant protection measures including rent stabilization and Just Cause Eviction for buildings including four or more units; and WHEREAS: Governor Healey has indicated <https://www.masslive.com/news/2022/05/attorney-general-maura-healey-suggested-she-wouldnt-sign-a-statewide-rent-control-bill-as-governor.html> that she "supports the right of communities to implement their own policies on rent stabilization,"; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the City of Somerville once again declares its support for An Act Enabling Local Options for Tenant Protections (HD.3922 & SD.2368); AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Clerk is requested to forward copies of this Resolution to our State Delegation.