SPOA Leads Press Conference Launching Opposition to Rent Control Ballot Campaign
By Small Property Owners Association Members
The Small Property Owners Association helped lead a press conference to formally launch the opposition to the rent control ballot campaign on January 29, 2026. Sponsored by Housing for Massachusetts, a coalition of business and real estate groups, the event took place at Church on the Hill across from the Massachusetts State House.
Speakers included Conor Yunits, the Chair of Housing for Massachusetts, in addition to SPOA President Amir Shahsavari. Other speakers included Denise Jillson (Chair of Yes on 9 in 1994, the campaign that banned rent control), Alex Guardiola (Worcester area business leader and property owner), and Marc Silvestri (Revere City Councilor At-Large) among others.
The event was covered by several media outlets including Boston Real Estate Times, State House News Service, Banker & Tradesman, and Contrarian Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Small Property Owners Association (SPOA)?
The Small Property Owners Association (SPOA) is a Massachusetts nonprofit organization dedicated to defending the property rights of small landlords. They actively oppose measures like rent control ballot campaigns.
What did the SPOA do on January 29, 2026?
SPOA, along with other business and real estate groups, launched an opposition campaign against a rent control ballot initiative on January 29, 2026. The press conference was held at Church on the Hill near the State House.
Who were the main speakers at the press conference?
Key speakers at the press conference included SPOA President Amir Shahsavari, Conor Yunits of Housing for Massachusetts, and Denise Jillson, who previously chaired a successful campaign to ban rent control in 1994.
Which media outlets covered the press conference?
The press conference announcing the opposition to the rent control ballot campaign was covered by various media outlets, including Boston Real Estate Times, State House News Service, Banker & Tradesman, and Contrarian Boston.