Lynn, MA, like many cities across the United States, is facing an affordable housing crisis. Over the recent years, rent prices have surged dramatically, placing an increasing burden on residents and contributing to the growing issue of homelessness. Families and individuals who have called Lynn home for generations are being priced out of their communities, unable to keep up with the relentless rise in rental costs.

According to the latest data, the median rent in Lynn has risen by over 20% in the last five years alone, with many landlords taking advantage of a lack of regulation to hike prices indiscriminately. This upward trend shows no sign of slowing down, threatening the stability and well-being of countless community members.

Implementing rent control is a practical, effective, and necessary measure to protect residents from being pushed out of their homes. Rent control will cap the amount landlords can increase rent annually, ensuring that housing remains affordable for all residents. This policy will help maintain the diversity and integrity of our community, keeping Lynn a vibrant and inclusive city where people of all income levels can thrive.

Moreover, rent control can stabilize the local housing market, reducing tenant turnover and fostering a sense of community. It also offers a fair and just approach to alleviating the fear of eviction due to uncontrollable rent hikes.

We call upon local officials and policymakers in Lynn to prioritize this issue and implement a rent control ordinance. The time to act is now, before more families are pushed into homelessness and economic despair. By signing this petition, we stand together to support secure, affordable, and stable housing for everyone in Lynn. Please sign this petition to help bring change and protect our community from the increasing affordability crisis.

Our class has been working on a 10th grade civics project and we decided to start this petition as part of our action step!