Real estate industry begins campaign against Mayor Wu’s rent control plan

Real estate industry begins campaign against Mayor Wu’s rent control plan

Real Estate

The campaign, led by The Greater Boston Real Estate Board, will incorporate text messages, mailings, online videos, and phone banks.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. Matthew J. Lee/Boston Globe

Last month, it was reported that Mayor Michelle Wu is accelerating plans to propose a form of rent control in Boston. Rent control, or rent stabilization was a core part of Wu’s mayoral campaign in 2021. Last week, Wu officially filed her proposal with the City Council.

Now, prominent members of the real estate industry are amplifying their opposition to the idea. The Greater Boston Real Estate Board began a major campaign to fight rent control this week by reaching out to Boston residents directly.

The campaign, dubbed “Rent Control Hurts Housing,” is looking to reach members of the public through a coordinated blitz of text messages, direct mail, and digital videos. Phone banks are being assembled to connect residents