Boston, January 22, 2025 — Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced a $64.2 million investment to support the creation and preservation of 637 affordable housing units across eight Boston neighborhoods. The funding, sourced from the Mayor’s Office of Housing, the Community Preservation Fund, and the Neighborhood Housing Trust, will support 12 developments that include mixed-income rental and homeownership units, housing for seniors, and permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness.
The announcement was made at the Harvard Ed Portal in Allston, joined by city leaders, local officials, housing developers, and community organizations. Mayor Wu highlighted the initiative as a key step in addressing Boston’s housing affordability challenges, saying, “By collaborating closely with our neighborhoods, we are creating and preserving more than 600 affordable units across Boston. These awards will strengthen our communities, enhance affordability, and ensure Boston remains a home for everyone.”
Funding and Project Details
The funding is derived from a combination of federal programs, such as the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), as well as local initiatives like the Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) funds, Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, and Linkage contributions.
The Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH), alongside the Neighborhood Housing Trust (NHT) and the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), evaluated the proposals based on financial feasibility, community impact, design quality, and alignment with housing market needs. Of 21 proposals, 12 projects were selected to receive funding.
Key Projects
- Allston/Brighton
- 65 Seattle Street: Developed by Urbanica Design, this project will create 43 homeownership units for households earning 80%-100% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Allston Senior Housing on the Hill: A project by the Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation, transforming a historic church into 49 affordable units for older adults earning 30%-60% AMI.
- Dorchester
- 555-559 Columbia Road: This mixed-use development includes 33 affordable homeownership units co-located with a new Upham’s Corner library branch.
- Dot Block Phase II: Led by Samuels & Associates, this project will provide 84 affordable rental units, serving households earning 30%-60% AMI.
- Chinatown/South End
- 50 Herald Street: Developed by Beacon Communities Services and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, this project will create 117 rental units for households earning 30%-60% AMI, along with retail space for an Asian market.
- Jamaica Plain/Mission Hill
- Envision Hotel: Victory Programs will convert an emergency shelter into 41 permanent supportive housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Commitment to Green Development
All new projects will adhere to the Zero Emissions Building (ZEB) standards outlined by the MOH, with energy needs powered by electricity and on-site solar energy.
Historic Progress Under Mayor Wu’s Leadership
This $64 million investment continues the Wu administration’s record-breaking commitment to affordable housing. Over the past three years, the administration has delivered more affordable housing than any other three-year period since 1998. Additional measures include the launch of a $110 million Housing Accelerator Fund to address financing gaps, new zoning policies to promote diverse housing options, and tax relief legislation to ease the burden on homeowners.
“This funding reflects our continued commitment to tackling Boston’s housing challenges head-on,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing. “By supporting these developments, we’re creating stability for families, preventing displacement, and strengthening neighborhoods.”
Through innovative and sustainable solutions, Boston aims to remain a city where all residents have a place to call home.
