Save the Date - Thursday, March 19
Join us to hear from Amy Dain, an expert on housing and zoning who grew up in Newton and lives here now. She’ll give us highlights from her recent report on where and how the MBTA Communities Act has actually helped create more homes. Plus she’ll show us what the new zoning is doing in Newton, how it is helping to preserve homes, and how it can be a model for other communities.
Our first movie night in January, was a huge success - nearly 50 Newton residents joined us to watch What Luxury Housing Does to Homelessness, a compelling film by Justine Underhill.
If you missed it, you still have a chance to watch it.
The film challenged many assumptions and ignited thought-provoking conversations. Attendees found themselves deeply engaged, breaking into lively small groups where they shared a range of viewpoints and experiences. These discussions extended well beyond the scheduled time, demonstrating a genuine desire to explore the nuances of housing supply and demand.
It was inspiring to witness such diverse perspectives coming together, fostering not just debate but a shared understanding among neighbors. This emphasis on open dialogue and collective learning embodies our goal of creating humanized spaces for community engagement.
Given the enthusiastic feedback and deep engagement, we are excited to continue offering similar events. These gatherings are a valuable way for our community to connect, learn, and discuss vital issues in a relaxed setting.
As an award-winning journalist and City Councilor in Falls Church, Virginia, Justine Underhill is known for her unique ability to use storytelling to make complex issues understandable. With degrees in economics and theater, she brings a powerful, data-driven and engaging approach to crucial topics like housing
Housing Progress in Newton 2025
As we conclude 2025, Newton for Everyone is reflecting on a year of mixed results and hard-won incremental progress in our city. While some long-term efforts finally reached significant milestones, the implementation of new policies has been a slow process.
This year serves as a reminder that meaningful change in Newton often requires over a decade of persistence from advocates and city leaders alike.
Highlights of Newton for Everyone 2025
As the new year begins, we want to thank you for your interest and support for making more housing opportunities available for people of all ages, means, backgrounds and abilities in Newton.
This past year we have hosted educational forums, blogged about key housing issues in Newton and encouraged people to take action to support more diverse forms of housing that could be affordable to more people in Newton.
Join us as we continue to expand our efforts in 2026!
October 2025
Priced Out: How Newton's Housing Shortage Drives Away Our Teachers
August 2025
Will Newton be a place our kids can afford to live—or a museum of homes only the wealthy can buy?
June 2025
What is needed to lure more commercial development to Newton?
January 2025
What would it take to build 100% affordable housing in Newton?
March 2025
What's up with Northland? Why is the project going back to the City Council?
December 2024
Newtonville Commuter Rail will be upgraded. Congressman Auchincloss notes that it “holds the most immediate potential for transit-oriented development.”
November 2024
Newton experts discuss housing challenges for older adults and ways to address them.
Housing & Opportunity
A diverse range of homes for families, for people who work in Newton to live in Newton, for staying in Newton when down sizing, and for our adult children to return to live here.
Housing & Community
Thriving villages, people living in the village and nearby, public gathering spaces all help build a strong and welcoming community in Newton.
Housing & Sustainability
Living near transit, and villages helps reduce our dependence on cars. Safer streets makes it easier for walkers and bikers to get to school, go to a village or see friends.