Money from Big Real Estate continues to pour in to support November ballot measures put forward by Mayor Adams that would reduce the public’s say in development projects in our neighborhoods and city. The measures would consolidate power in the hands of the developer, the Mayor, and those directly appointed and controlled by the Mayor, eliminating checks and balances and communities’ abilities to negotiate for changes, mitigations, improvements, or concessions.

No matter who is Mayor in 2026 and beyond, this is a bad idea. Big Real Estate holds tremendous power in our city, and a system of careful oversight and considered evaluation of consequences is needed to balance its sway. Our current system may be far from perfect, but the proposed changes only exacerbate its flaws.

PLEASE NOTE: Because of a state ballot question that takes precedence, the three ballot questions that would reduce or eliminate public input on development proposals are now questions 2-4 out of 6.