As Amherst heads into our Town Council election this fall, we should be clear-eyed about what’s at stake: the future of our community depends on electing leaders who support robust public investment — especially in infrastructure, public works, and schools.

The evidence is clear that public spending benefits not only community life but also home values. Economists have shown that every additional dollar spent on local schools increases surrounding home values by about $1.03. In other words, these expenditures don’t just “cost” money — they generate long-term wealth for homeowners and strengthen our town’s fiscal position.

Think of it like adding to your house: if you invest $100,000 to build a new wing, your property value rises almost dollar-for-dollar. Community expenditures work the same way. Every new school, library, or public building pays back nearly all of its cost through higher property values while providing the intangible benefits of a more vibrant town.

These investments, however, require a healthy and growing tax base. According to Amherst’s FY2026 budget, 66% of town revenues come from property taxes. Without broadening that base, we cannot fund ambitious progressive projects. That means saying “yes” to more businesses and more housing.

Building housing is itself progressive. Research shows that new construction slows rent growth in surrounding areas. Renters and first-time buyers in Amherst face inflated prices because restrictive local policies have constrained the housing supply. Landlords benefit handsomely: property values soar, and rents rise accordingly.

There’s another cost to inaction. When Amherst blocks new housing, our colleges build tax-exempt dorms instead. The environmental and infrastructural impact on the town is the same — but we lose the property tax revenue. We shoulder the costs without the benefits.

If we are serious about equity, affordability, and progressive values, expanding the housing supply must be part of the plan. It’s the only way to stabilize rents, create pathways for young families, and sustain the strong public investments our community deserves.

A thriving Amherst requires bold investment, responsible growth, and leaders unafraid to say yes to the future.

Evan Naismith

Amherst