Boston's Mayoral Race 2021
News & Commentary
Barros Puts Fairmont Line Upgrades Atop List of Transpo Promises
One out of every five Boston residents lives within a 10-minute walk of the MBTA’s Fairmont Line and mayoral candidate John Barros called Tuesday for the T to use federal money to make the line more reliable, run more frequently and fully integrate it into the T’s subway system.
Campbell: I’ll Streamline Permitting to Build More Homes
Boston mayoral candidate Andrea Campbell told an audience at an online forum Wednesday that she would remove fully-affordable multifamily developments from the city’s Article 80 approvals process if elected.
Janey Open to Boston Affordability Rules Changes
Acting Mayor Kim Janey supports updating Boston’s inclusionary development policy including potential changes to maximum household income and the required sizes of affordable units.
Mayoral Candidates Criticize Waterfront Development Plans
Two Boston mayoral candidates and a state representative spoke against the continuing effort to rezone the downtown waterfront and the Chiofaro Co.’s Pinnacle skyscraper proposal, criticizing the development plans for insufficient resiliency and social equity.
Boston, MBTA Announce Free Bus Fare Pilot Program
Riders who board the MBTA’s Route 28 buses in Boston later this year won’t have to pay a fare under a three-month pilot program announced Monday.
Santiago Bows Out of Boston Mayor’s Race
Rep. Jon Santiago, the preferred candidate of many state legislators, ended his Boston mayoral campaign Tuesday, winnowing the field to five with just more than two months to go until the Sept. 14 preliminary election.
Boston Mayoral Candidates Unite on Lower T Fares
Newly touting support from every Boston mayoral candidate, activists pushing for reduced fare or free rides for low-income MBTA users are ramping up pressure on state lawmakers as the issue gains more prominence in Massachusetts.
Janey, Wu Lead New Poll on Mayoral Race
Boston’s Acting Mayor Kim Janey and At-Large City Councilor Michelle Wu lead a new poll from Suffolk University and the Boston Globe taking the temperature of the city’s race for mayor.
Essaibi George Backs ‘Anti-Speculation’ Tax; Wu Backs Housing Funding
City Councilor At-Large Annissa Essaibi George outlined proposals to reform Boston housing and development as mayor, including support for an anti-speculation tax and higher minimum affordable unit requirements in multifamily projects.
Wu Signs Pledge as Union Launches Group to Pressure Boston Candidates
A joint effort by one of Boston’s biggest construction union and a pair of developers to sway the Boston mayoral race has netted its first two pledge signers.
Mayoral Candidates Talk ‘Mass and Cass’ Solutions
The six candidates running for mayor of Boston met for the second time this week in a forum hosted by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Wednesday where they honed in on criminal justice, substance abuse disorder, mental health, and homelessness.
Boston’s Next Mayor Must Put Words into Action
Dismantling the structures that perpetuate inequities for Bostonians should be a high priority for the next mayor. The reality is the future of the entire city of Boston depends on it.
In Their Own Words
Editor’s note: Acting Mayor Kim Janey was invited to, but did not submit a column outlining her vision for development nor one detailing how she would address Boston’s housing crisis.
As Mayor, I’ll Ensure Our Housing Stock Keeps Pace with Our Growth
By Annissa Essaibi George
By updating processes, investing in our existing programs and truly prioritizing affordable housing, the next mayor can ensure our housing stock will meet the demands of both current and future residents. Read more.
Business as Usual Won’t Grow Boston’s Housing Supply. Here’s What I’ll Change
By Michelle Wu
We need urgent action from City Hall to boost the supply of housing – housing that’s affordable to the residents who have built and sustained our neighborhoods, and to families and newcomers looking to put down roots here. Read more.
Boston Residents Must Shape Neighborhoods’ Future
By Annissa Essaibi George
The future of our neighborhoods must be shaped by the voices of our residents. We need to make the development process as public and accessible as possible. It’s not just about where and when public meetings are held, but who is seated at the table, what language they’re speaking, and how – not if – they follow up with the community. Read more.
Boston Must Lead the Way in This Transformative Moment
By Michelle Wu
To remain a global leader in talent and opportunity, Boston must lead the way in transforming livability and affordability for everyone making a home here: bringing down the cost of living for our workforce and boosting civic infrastructure for quality of life. Read more.
Bostonians Need Homes to Thrive. This Is How I’ll Achieve That
By Andrea Campbell
No mayor can snap her fingers and transform Boston’s housing stock overnight. But by acting on this list of priorities on Day One, we can take steps toward creating a Boston where longtime residents aren’t pushed out, where young residents can start a family, where employers can attract talent and where we no longer see national headlines spotlighting our city’s deep racial wealth gap. Read more.
To Address Prices, Displacement, Boston Must Boost Housing Production
By John Barros
In every major city that’s tried it, from New York to San Francisco, the effects of rent control are clear: Less new housing is produced, and rents increase for anyone not protected by rent control’s narrow rules. The long term results are higher rent, more displacement and reduced economic growth. Read more.
Growth Must Lead to Shared Prosperity in Boston
By Andrea Campbell
Boston needs a mayor who has a vision and a plan to expand access and opportunity to all corners of the city. The time has come for a leader who not only understands that development can be a driver of economic and social opportunity, but also provides the partnership with the private sector necessary to serve long-time Bostonians while welcoming new residents, families and businesses. Read more.
Boston Needs a Bold and Inclusive Development Strategy
By John Barros
I will support neighborhood-based growth plans by creating and supporting shared ownership programs and community land trusts. This is a huge opportunity to improve housing affordability for low-income and people of color, while giving communities greater ownership stake over the future of their neighborhoods. Read more.