As Boston continues to grapple with the issue of affordable housing, several initiatives and strategies are being implemented to address this pressing concern. One notable approach is the development of mixed-income housing projects, which aim to provide affordable units alongside market-rate housing. For example, the redevelopment of the Whittier Street public housing development in Roxbury includes a mix of affordable and market-rate units, creating a more diverse and inclusive community.

Furthermore, the city of Boston has been exploring the use of inclusionary zoning, requiring developers to include a certain percentage of affordable units in new residential projects. This strategy has been successful in cities like San Francisco and New York, and Boston is looking to adopt similar policies to ensure that new developments contribute to the affordable housing stock.

Additionally, there are efforts to preserve existing affordable housing units through partnerships with non-profit organizations and community development corporations. The acquisition and rehabilitation of older properties help maintain affordable options for low and moderate-income residents, preventing displacement in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods.

References:

• City of Boston - Affordable Housing: https://www.boston.gov/departments/neighborhood-development/affordable-housing
• Whittier Street Redevelopment Project: https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2018/08/20/roxbury-whittier-street-redevelopment-project-wins-key-approval/3q7uXh5lR6i8aB2R8f5o7I/story.html
• Inclusionary Zoning in San Francisco: https://sfmohcd.org/inclusionary-housing-program