We’re only a few days into July, and already Mayor Wu + the City of Boston have launched plenty of new programs and initiatives for the city. Here are the details on three recent announcements.
🔑 Downtown Residential Conversion Program
Mayor Wu and the BPDA will accept applications to transform underutilized office buildings in Downtown to residential units beginning this fall. The goal is to offer incentives (think: reduced property taxes) to create housing units and help increase foot traffic to support Downtown business. The program will only accept applications through June 2024 and eligible projects must comply with the proposed Inclusionary Zoning standards + start construction by October 2025.
🍽️ Boston Summer Eats
This summer, the Office of Food Justice has teamed up with local farmers markets to provide healthy meals at no cost for residents 18 years and younger. Now through Sept. 1, breakfast and lunch will be provided at 110 locations like libraries, health centers, and farmers markets. Additionally, Boston will continue the citywide Farmers Market Coupon Program this summer to help reduce food insecurity with $400,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding.
🚗 Boston Brakes
Mayor Wu, the Disabilities Commission, and the Boston Streets Cabinet launched this new outreach campaign to increase safety for pedestrians with disabilities. The goal is to remind Bostonians that we share the streets, sidewalks, and intersections with people experiencing different types of disabilities, including mobility, sensory, and intellectual disabilities. The Boston Brakes campaign will be featured as part of the City’s annual ADA Day Celebration at City Hall Plaza on Tuesday, July 18 from 12 to 2 p.m.
