improving permitting laws, halting a ballot initiative

Client

The Home Builders of Massachusetts

Challenge

The Home Builders hoped to engage legislators in a positive discussion to improve permitting laws and halt a ballot initiative to repeal 40B (Massachusetts’ affordable housing law).

Approach

Denterlein launched a national campaign that highlighted the Commonwealth’s highly restrictive local zoning laws. This included briefings, regular news releases, feature stories, and op-eds and letters to the editor emphasizing the impact of local regulations on housing production.


Results

The 40B repeal effort was unsuccessful. And, by linking housing to economic development, the Home Builders were able to lay the groundwork for legislative change.