YWCA Greater Newburyport Housing Choice Coalition Meeting

Newburyport, MA - The YWCA Greater Newburyport Housing Choice Coalition will host renowned zoning expert Amy Dain, who will present findings from her recent paper "Exclusionary by Design".  Her research examines how zoning in Massachusetts has been used as a tool for racial, class and economic segregation over the past century.  The presentation will take place at 6PM on Thursday October 17 at the YWCA on Market St.  A ZOOM option is available and can be accessed by registering at https://bit.ly/4bdPiii.

In her comprehensive study, Dain uncovers evidence of how zoning regulations have systematically excluded certain groups, including racial minorities, lower-income residents, and families with children from many communities in Greater Boston. Her research provides crucial historical context for understanding current housing challenges and inequities in the region.

Amy Dain's work sheds light on the often-hidden ways zoning has shaped our communities.  Her insights are essential for anyone interested in creating more equitable and inclusive housing policies.  An understanding of zoning as a tool to separate populations according race and class is especially important today as Newburyport considers new zoning for the Brown School, the K-Mart Plaza and for accessory dwelling units.

The event is open to the public and will be of particular interest to local officials, housing advocates, and community members concerned about affordable housing and racial equity. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of:

-       How zoning has been used as a tool for exclusion throughout Massachusetts history

-       The impact of exclusionary zoning on racial and economic segregation

-       The connection between historical zoning practices and current housing challenges

-       Potential paths forward for creating more inclusive communities

-       How terms such as “community character” are used in zoning to exclude certain populations

The YWCA Greater Newburyport Housing Choice Coalition is dedicated to promoting affordable housing and inclusive communities in the Greater Newburyport area.