Meaningful
Would the proposal make a substantial number of homes legal and feasible?
From understanding to action
Make the case for welcoming more neighbors.
You do not need to be an economist or planner. Be clear about the human stakes, support a specific change, and use evidence honestly.
A two-minute testimony
Four parts are enough.
- 01
Start with your connection
“I live in this community, and I want more people to have the chance to live here.”
- 02
Name the problem
“We have added people, jobs, and housing costs faster than we have added homes.”
- 03
Support the specific reform
“Please legalize fourplexes by right and remove the parking rule that makes them impractical.”
- 04
End with shared values
“A welcoming community makes room for children, seniors, renters, and the people who keep it running.”
Evidence tip
Printable worksheetPrepare your proposal analysis and testimony →Use one relevant finding, not a pile of statistics. Explain the mechanism and acknowledge the most important limitation.
Proposal scorecard
Is this reform real or merely symbolic?
Broad
Does it create choices across many neighborhoods rather than concentrating growth?
By right
Can a compliant project proceed without an unpredictable political veto?
Usable
Do parking, setbacks, fees, and process preserve the capacity advertised?
Measured
Will the city report applications, permits, completions, time, cost, and outcomes?
Complete
Are infrastructure, affordability, and displacement needs addressed directly?
Use evidence well
Credibility is persuasive.
“Research in several settings finds that added homes reduce rents relative to continued scarcity.”
“Every new building immediately makes every nearby apartment cheaper.”
“This reform removes a barrier; permits and completions will tell us whether it produces housing.”
“Changing the zoning map guarantees affordability.”
Prepare