The recent Hands Off! protests drew passionate crowds resisting federal overreach and defending human rights. That energy is powerful — and necessary. But for those demanding justice from Washington, here’s a question: Are you also showing up at your local planning board meetings?

You should be.

Decisions made by zoning boards and city councils often have a more immediate impact on your life and your neighbors’. Restrictive zoning keeps housing scarce and expensive. Opposition to affordable developments in wealthier neighborhoods reinforces segregation and inequality. These local policies shape who gets to live with stability and dignity — and who gets pushed out.

That’s why the disconnect is so frustrating. Just months ago, my neighborhood was filled with anti-housing yard signs planted right next to ones for progressive candidates — candidates who support affordable housing as a cornerstone of justice. Even outside election season, you’ll see anti-housing messages alongside signs that read “Black Lives Matter” or “In This House We Believe…” followed by a list of progressive values. The contradiction is hard to ignore.

The truth is, many of the systems we protest at the national level — inequality, racism, displacement — are entrenched in local housing policy. If you care about justice, the fight is on your block, not just in D.C. Organizing for more housing, denser zoning, tenant protections and public investment isn’t a side quest. It’s central to the movement.

Yes, housing policy can be wonky. The connection between social equity and things like height limits, parking minimums or single-family zoning isn’t always obvious. But the outcomes are real — and organizations like the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, the Urbanist Coalition of Portland, Grow Smart Maine and others exist to help communities connect the dots.

These organizations take the brunt of NIMBY backlash every day. They are fighting for low-income families, renters, immigrants and people of color — those who can’t afford to ignore local politics. If you have time, stability or a platform, use it. Join the fight for local communities that welcome and shelter all.

So yes — keep marching. Keep speaking truth to power. But also knock on doors for pro-housing candidates. Show up at public hearings. Demand homes for all, right where you live. That’s where real change begins.