The BPDA Board approved new zoning for Downtown, built off of the original PLAN: Downtown planning initiative which was adopted by the Board in 2023. This new zoning strengthens protections for Downtown’s historic and cultural assets, streamlines pathways for adaptive reuse of buildings, and enables the essential housing and mixed-use density that Downtown needs to grow as a vibrant and more inclusive neighborhood for generations to come. (2, 3, 4)

In 2025, the City hired Groundswell Design to plan and organize a tactical design, program, and management for block activation at Winter Street. (3, 5)

After City of Boston advocacy, the MBTA announced extended service on Friday and Saturday nights. Later public transit options enhance quality of life and improve the economic vibrancy of downtown. (3)

The City issued a Request for Proposals seeking a plan and services related to Winter Street. In July 2025 Groundswell Design Group was selected to organize a tactical design, program, and management for block activation for a period up to eight weeks during the Fall of 2025. (3)

Mayor Michelle Wu announced the operators and schedule for the City of Boston’s Office of Nightlife Economy Late Night Food Truck Program. This new program provides food trucks the opportunity to leverage public locations to provide late night food to Boston residents and workers. In Downtown, late night food trucks are located in Faneuil Hall. (3, 5)

In June 2025, Governor Healey Awarded $7.4 Million To 15 Court Square, 31 Milk Street Conversion Projects. (2, 3)

 Downtown's affordable-housing stock will grow as DBA member St. Francis House (SFH) and its development partner, the Planning Office For Urban Affairs (POUA), recently celebrated the topping-off of the 19-story building at 41 LaGrange Street. The development will deliver 126 units of affordable, supportive, and mixed-income housing. (2, 3)

The City of Boston’s Planning Department released a zoning amendment draft based on the public comments received on the draft Downtown zoning text amendment and the recommendations of the multiyear planning initiative PLAN: Downtown. (2, 3, 4)

HIDDO hosted the Ramadan Night Market, offering an opportunity for local businesses, community members, and visitors to come together in celebration of Ramadan. The event featured food vendors, cultural experiences, and live entertainment by talented Muslim artists. (3, 5)

Building upon the recommendations and feedback gathered during the PLAN: Downtown planning process, the BPDA released a draft zoning text amendment for Downtown, creating new zoning districts for Downtown called "Skyline Districts." (2, 3, 4)

In early 2024, the Boston Planning and Development Agency announced new management of Faneuil Hall, marking an important opportunity to reimagine the area. Faneuil Hall released a call for creative operators in early 2025, "seeking passionate, local, independent operators, makers, and artisans to bring their businesses to life in one of 20 small-format retail spaces." (3, 5, 6)

Tailgatin' on Canal, a series of four pre-concert vintage clothing markets, was held in collaboration with Found Boston. Kicking off in September of 2024, the events took place on the pedestrianized Canal Street from 5 PM to 9 PM and attracted a total of 10,000 attendees. This initiative successfully utilized a car-free environment to create a unique event experience for concertgoers and vintage clothing enthusiasts, and likely helped drive more pre-concert traffic to nearby businesses. (3, 5)

Matthew Meyers hosted the Night Cap Evening Cafe & Event Series through Wake Up the Night. These eight events took place over three weeks, activating the third floor of City Hall with a comedy night, friend speed dating, a pajama party, and more. (3)

In June 2024, Suffolk University purchased 101 Tremont Street for $30 million with plans to convert it into a dormitory. Suffolk will renovate the 11-story building, which currently houses the Beantown Pub on its ground floor, to accommodate up to 290 students. Renovation is expected to begin in early 2025, with an anticipated opening of Fall 2026. (3)

Over the past few years, Mayor Wu has pedestrianized Canal Street to create an annual playoff hub for the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. (3, 5)

In 2023, Mayor Wu launched the Downtown Residential Conversion Incentive Pilot Program to bring new residents to the neighborhood. The program has so far approved 780 new Downtown units. (2, 3)

Mayor Michelle Wu fought to secure an MBTA Board Seat for the City of Boston to ensure representation for the City and address our regional transportation challenges, which impact Downtown significantly. (4)

In 2023, Mayor Wu launched the SPACE Grant Program to help fill vacant commercial spaces in major commercial hubs like Downtown and bring new vitality, jobs, and the entrepreneurial spirit to all corners of the city. To date, the program has dispersed $7.5 million to 61 entrepreneurs, 74 percent of which are minority-owned. Downtown SPACE Grantees include Boardeaux, Bold Skin Babe, Boxaroo, Cha Feo, Elöre Atelier, Flourish & Foundry, Georgie’s Wine Bar, Jamaica Mi Hungry, Mo’Rockin’ Fusion, and Silver Dove Afternoon Tea. (3, 5)

Mayor Wu and the Planning Department launched the restart of PLAN: Downtown, a planning process for the neighborhood that will include a focus on creating more housing and open space, as well as supporting small businesses. (2, 3, 5)

The City of Boston and BCG released REVIVE and REIMAGINE report on the challenges facing Downtown Boston and presenting a set of initiatives and recommendations to revitalize and reimagine the neighborhood. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

The BPDA  announced the launch of a Downtown Residential Conversion Incentive PILOT Program for downtown office buildings, and the application went live in October. The goal of this program is to support owners and developers of older commercial office building space in converting to residential units. (2)

Through a competitive process, the City awarded a contract to Rosemark Productions (MWBE) to run events from July to October 2022. The series of events brought thousands of weekly visitors to the Downtown and Back Bay neighborhoods of the city. (3)

The City of Boston engaged Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to conduct research and create a strategy to revitalize Boston's Downtown. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Mayor Wu reinvested in the All-Inclusive Boston tourism campaign. (6)

The City released PLAN: Downtown, which lays the groundwork for a more vibrant neighborhood. On December 14, the BPDA Board adopted the PLAN: Downtown planning initiative. (1, 2, 3, 5)

The City of Boston announced the launch of the SPACE Grant program. Through this program, local entrepreneurs receive substantial grant funding to help them open new storefront businesses in vacant commercial spaces across Boston, with particular emphasis on major commercial hubs. (3, 5)

The City of Boston held stakeholder meetings to begin a dialogue about issues facing Downtown and possible solutions. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)