Welcoming City

Through its Certified Welcoming process, Boston met the criteria across all seven areas of the Welcoming Standard, Welcoming America's roadmap for building inclusive communities: government and community leadership, equitable access, civic engagement, connected communities, education, economic development, and safe communities. As part of the certification process, MOIA led a comprehensive review of both City policies, programs, and practices and community-based services related to immigrant inclusion. The process highlighted Boston’s investments in language access, immigrant leadership development, legal services, workforce development, community engagement, and partnerships with organizations serving immigrant residents.

“Boston has always been a city shaped by people who came here from around the world to build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are proud to earn this historic designation recognizing the progress and continued work across our city to make Boston a home for everyone. I’m grateful to our Office for Immigrant Advancement, community partners, and neighborhood and cultural leaders for helping us achieve this critical milestone as we continue pressing forward.”

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Welcoming America believes that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of our communities and shared future. To learn more, visit: welcomingamerica.org. 

Through the annual Welcoming Week celebration in September, MOIA also continues its citywide outreach efforts to inform residents and share resources, so that every neighbor is inspired to support welcoming neighborhoods. Learn more below about the activations happening across the city this year!