BOSTON— Mayor Michelle Wu has thrown her weight behind a proposed ballot measure that aims to implement statewide rent control, declaring, “If this is still on the ballot by this fall, I am a ‘yes’ voting for it.” Wu, a long-time advocate for capping rent increases, acknowledges the urgency of soaring housing costs, even if the measure isn’t her ideal solution.

The proposed law would tie annual rent hikes to cost of living increases, capping them at a maximum of 5%. Exceptions would apply to owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units and newly constructed properties for their first decade. This comes amid a backdrop of rising housing costs that have left many Massachusetts residents reeling.

Despite Wu's support, not everyone is on board. Governor Maura Healey has publicly opposed the measure, suggesting that rent control could hinder housing construction. Meanwhile, opponents, including major players in the real estate sector, are mobilizing a staggering $30 million in advertising against the initiative, suggesting a fierce battle ahead as the deadline for signatures looms.