FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025
Brookline, MA — On Monday, April 7, the Brookline Community Development Corporation (Brookline CDC) hosted a pivotal legislative roundtable focused on the urgent need for affordable housing solutions in Brookline and the Commonwealth. Called “Donuts with the Delegation,” the event brought together Congressman Jake Auchincloss, state legislators, local leaders, housing advocates, and other community leaders to discuss current challenges and explore policy pathways to preserve and expand affordability in one of the Commonwealth's most dynamic communities. Brookline’s entire delegation, State Senator Cynthia Creem and Reps. Tommy Vitolo, Kevin Honan, William F. MacGregor and Greg Schwartz all participated. Select Board members Michael Sandman, John VanScoyoc and David Pearlman joined a robust conversation with community stakeholders, highlighting both the progress made and the significant work that remains.
Congressman Auchincloss started the conversation by making clear that there is a fundamental difference between the Democrat’s vision for America and the Republican’s vision. He went on to say that the Democratic Party has to adopt bold and innovative ideas. He emphasized that merely opposing the current administration is insufficient and that the party must present compelling alternatives. He explained that supporting creation of more housing is an essential tool for the financial health of Massachusetts families, maintaining seats in Congress and retaining social and political norms that seem to be quickly disappearing.
Perhaps Senator Creem offered the most sobering comments. She spelled out the consequences of national policies on the Commonwealth and how the legislature is bracing for substantial federal cuts that the legislature will then have to fund. Describing the situation as a wait and see for a worst case scenario, she said that “while housing is a top priority of mine, the legislature is focused on ensuring that it can continue to fund Medicaid and food.”
Representative Vitolo echoed Senator Creem’s legislative priorities and added that Brookline can do things that don’t require legislative action, like increasing permitting efficiencies. He also said that he would not take a position on the pending real estate transfer fee warrant article before Town Meeting.
Representatives also discussed zoning reform, state-level funding tools, tenant protections and the role of public-private partnerships in achieving long-term affordability.
"Open dialogue and strong partnerships are essential to crafting solutions that work."
~Deborah Brown, Brookline CDC
"We are grateful to our legislative partners for engaging directly with our community and reaffirming their commitment to equitable housing policy," said Deborah Brown, Board President for Brookline CDC. "Brookline, like many communities across Massachusetts, faces growing housing pressures. Open dialogue and strong partnerships are essential to crafting solutions that work."
“Donuts with your Delegation” is the brainchild of the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC). The meetings allow legislators to learn about what is happening in their district and how they can help. CDCs can showcase the work they are doing and learn what their legislators are focusing on. Most importantly, participants are building relationships with each other. These relationships are foundational to making good policy happen.
Brookline CDC looks forward to continued collaboration with local, state and federal partners as it works to implement meaningful strategies that address housing insecurity and support inclusive growth.
Media Contact: Giovanny Valencia, gio@brooklinecdc.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025
Brookline, MA — On Monday, April 7, the Brookline Community Development Corporation (Brookline CDC) hosted a pivotal legislative roundtable focused on the urgent need for affordable housing solutions in Brookline and the Commonwealth. Called “Donuts with the Delegation,” the event brought together Congressman Jake Auchincloss, state legislators, local leaders, housing advocates, and other community leaders to discuss current challenges and explore policy pathways to preserve and expand affordability in one of the Commonwealth's most dynamic communities. Brookline’s entire delegation, State Senator Cynthia Creem and Reps. Tommy Vitolo, Kevin Honan, William F. MacGregor and Greg Schwartz all participated. Select Board members Michael Sandman, John VanScoyoc and David Pearlman joined a robust conversation with community stakeholders, highlighting both the progress made and the significant work that remains.
Congressman Auchincloss started the conversation by making clear that there is a fundamental difference between the Democrat’s vision for America and the Republican’s vision. He went on to say that the Democratic Party has to adopt bold and innovative ideas. He emphasized that merely opposing the current administration is insufficient and that the party must present compelling alternatives. He explained that supporting creation of more housing is an essential tool for the financial health of Massachusetts families, maintaining seats in Congress and retaining social and political norms that seem to be quickly disappearing.
Perhaps Senator Creem offered the most sobering comments. She made clear that as a result of what is going on in Washington, the legislature is bracing for substantial cuts that the state will then have to fund. Describing the situation as a wait and see for a worst case scenario, she said that "the legislature is actively focused on ensuring that it can continue to provide essential funds for programs related to healthcare, food, and public safety."
Representative Vitolo echoed Senator Creem’s legislative priorities and added that Brookline can do things that don’t require legislative action, like increasing permitting efficiencies. He also said that he would not take a position on the pending real estate transfer fee warrant article before Town Meeting.
Representatives also discussed zoning reform, state-level funding tools, tenant protections and the role of public-private partnerships in achieving long-term affordability.
"Open dialogue and strong partnerships are essential to crafting solutions that work."
~Deborah Brown, Brookline CDC
"We are grateful to our legislative partners for engaging directly with our community and reaffirming their commitment to equitable housing policy," said Deborah Brown, Board President for Brookline CDC. "Brookline, like many communities across Massachusetts, faces growing housing pressures. Open dialogue and strong partnerships are essential to crafting solutions that work."
“Donuts with your Delegation” is the brainchild of the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC). The meetings allow legislators to learn about what is happening in their district and how they can help. CDCs can showcase the work they are doing and learn what their legislators are focusing on. Most importantly, participants are building relationships with each other. These relationships are foundational to making good policy happen.
Brookline CDC looks forward to continued collaboration with local, state and federal partners as it works to implement meaningful strategies that address housing insecurity and support inclusive growth.
Media Contact: Giovanny Valencia, gio@brooklinecdc.com
