2009 The Better Not Bigger Alliance
The Better Not Bigger Alliance has led the fight to repeal Chapter 40B:
- Helped neighborhoods legally challenge developments that threatened to erode quality of life.
- Provided advice and expertise to towns to help them defend themselves against 40B’s aggressive intrusions.
- Rallied hundreds of volunteers and gathered nearly 100,000 signatures to place the repeal of 40B before Massachusetts voters as a ballot question.
- The Better Not Bigger Alliance facilitated a “tea party” campaign that resulted in 40,000 bags of tea being mailed to Governor Deval Patrick with resident pleas to reform Chapter 40B and to replace the director of the state office for housing and community development.
Fact-Based Policy Papers:
Advocated for Legislative Action:
- Partnered with elected representatives, helping to draft and then filing ten bills, which have been submitted to the Massachusetts Legislature. Sponsored by Senator Hedlund and Rep. Greene.
- Met with legislators to help explain and illustrate how 40B negatively affects families, communities, and town infrastructures.
Voter Education:
- Sent dozens of community-specific mailings to 200 cities and towns explaining the costs and dangers of unbridled growth.
- Sent periodic emails to hundreds of thousands of residents to keep them apprised of developing stories in Washington and Beacon Hill.
- Helped organize residents in rallies and protests, allowing their views to be heard loud and clear by policy-makers.
Media Outreach:
- Composed dozens of letters to the editors, bringing important information to the door-step of local communities.
- Authored significant pieces in several newspapers, providing residents with accessible facts and analyses.
- Created and maintained an engaging website, online forum, and social media to stay connected with Massachusetts residents.
Coalition Building and Creative Collaborations
