Policy Development and Research
Policy Development and Research oversees the citizen participation process for the City of Boston’s annual grant allocations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Our division supports the work of Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) through preparing HUD-required plans and reports, developing programs and policy, assisting with grant-writing, analyzing research and policy, and mapping and data services.
Neighborhood Development
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Plans, reports, notices, and policies
Plans and policiesTo get the federal grants to develop housing in the City of Boston, we provide HUD with a report and our plans for the year.
Comment on plans for housing and community development activities and on accomplishments during the past year.
The policies that govern our development of housing cover these topics.
Fair Housing and racial equity
In 2015, HUD, under President Obama, released new regulations, requiring an Affirmatively Further Fair Housing plan. The Trump administration eliminated these regulations in mid-2020. Despite this change in HUD policy the City remains committed to completing a locally tailored fair housing plan. We are in the process of completing that work. Those involved include the:
- Department of Neighborhood Development
- Boston Housing Authority, and
- Office of Fair Housing and Equity.
The plan will reflect the information and feedback received through a multi-year process. Updates on this process will be posted here, when available.
Historically, HUD has required that the City of Boston complete an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing. The most recent version was published in 2010.
Research and data
Details on income-restricted housing in the City of Boston
View a database of income-restricted housing in Boston.
Recent residential sales in the City of Boston.
Recent residential foreclosures in the City of Boston.
Information on distressed buildings in the City.
View information on student housing in Boston.
This index measures risk of residential displacement in Boston.
On January 27, 2021, we conducted the 41st annual homeless census to help us better quantify homelessness in Boston.
This plan envisions a city where all Bostonians can find a place to call home.
Program outcomes
Comprehensive plan designed to address Boston's housing needs.
Income-restricted housing through inclusionary development.
Learn more about the Neighborhood Housing Trust.