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Boston launches new planning department to ensure resilience and equity
The establishment of the new department is a major piece of mayor Wu’s vision to transform planning and development and create a green and growing city.
The City of Boston has launched a new planning department to shape the future of the city and ensure resilience and equity are built in.
It is the first time in 70 years that Boston has had a Planning Department, restoring planning as a core function of City government.
The majority of Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) staff have transitioned into jobs with the City of Boston and are now employees of the new department.
Resilience, affordability, and equity
The establishment of the Planning Department is a major piece of mayor Michelle Wu’s vision to transform planning and development in Boston. It complements other initiatives including a home rule petition to end urban renewal and establish a new mission focused on resilience, affordability, and equity; the establishment of the Planning Advisory Council; citywide zoning reform, including the Squares + Streets initiative to increase the availability of housing near transit; and a design framework for guiding future development.
“Our goal to make Boston a green and growing city depends on planning together for our brightest future,” said Wu. “With our new Planning Department, we will be able to unlock a future for our city that truly centres Bostonians’ needs and brings communities together in making Boston home for generations to come.”
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The Planning Department is charged with developing comprehensive short- and long-term plans for Boston’s built environment, establishing a consistent and predictable zoning code for the city, advancing inclusive design standards, providing predictability to guide development that is responsive to community needs, and planning for the effective use of public real estate.
It is through these actions that the Department will address Boston’s greatest challenges of resilience, affordability, and equity. The Planning Department will work to build trust with communities through transparent processes that embrace predictable and responsible growth.
“Our goal to make Boston a green and growing city depends on planning together for our brightest future”
The new Planning Department includes the divisions of planning and zoning, development review, urban design, and real estate, as well as support staff.
Chief of planning Arthur Jemison, said this was “a tremendous effort” with staff focusing on every detail to support employees through this transition. “I am excited to launch this new Department, which will shape the future of our great City, and ensure it is planned equitably, for years to come,” he said.
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How will the new Planning Department improve Boston's housing affordability?What strategies will ensure equitable urban design in Boston's development?How does the Planning Department plan to enhance resilience in urban spaces?In what ways will zoning reforms increase housing near transit areas?How will public real estate be utilized to support community needs?BostonhousingParks and green spacePedestrianisationPlanningRecreational spaceResidential buildingsurban space
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