Young People in our Community and the High Cost of Housing

Proposed new housing developments always provoke concerns about increased student enrollment and the overall impact on our public schools; however, it’s important to note that there is no relationship between new housing development (including multifamily development) and an increase in school enrollment.

Substantial research conducted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (https://www.mapc.org/learn/research-analysis/enrollment/) which focused on 231 school districts between 2010 and 2020 found that demographic trends, parental preferences and the characteristics of affordability of available housing are the factors which drive school enrollment. New housing development does not.

Framingham needs to take steps to address the housing crisis which is causing young people to leave the state as reflected in a recent survey released by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation: (https://bostonchamber.com/press-release/chamber-foundations-young-residents-survey-highlights-importance-of-housing-jobs-to-retention-of-20-30-year-olds/#_ftnref1) Of the 823 young people who participated in the survey, cost of rent and the ability to buy a home ranked as two of the most important factors which influence whether or not to remain here.

I hope Framingham can support changes to allow for the development of more housing so that our young people, including recent Framingham High School graduates, their teachers and other municipal employees can continue to live in our community. I encourage the Mayor, Planning Board and City Council to continue to work together and support zoning to align with the new law.

Pam Richardson
Saxonville resident