In the last decade, 20,500 new units of housing were produced in the city of Boston, an 8.2 percent increase from the prior decade and the most housing starts for the past six decades.

Of those new housing units, 5,500 were affordable to low- and moderate-income households, according to a statement.

"New housing allows Boston to retain a talented workforce, keeps young families in the city, helps our elderly residents remain safe and creates good paying jobs," said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "We have made sure that the housing that has been built is an asset to our neighborhoods and serves households of all incomes."

In 2000, Menino announced Leading the Way – a housing strategy to increase the production of new housing of Boston, according to a statement. In addition to the production of new housing, Boston has also focused on the preservation of existing affordable units, minimizing foreclosures and reducing homelessness.