Tell Mayor Wu: Follow Through and Abolish the BPDA

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Tell Mayor Wu: Follow Through and Abolish the BPDA

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu

ACE and other housing justice advocates have been calling to get rid of the BPDA for a long time -- and to transfer its land to City control, and create a real Planning Department that answers to the people of Boston.

Now that she’s in office, Mayor Wu is likely to hear every manner of denial, distraction, and delay tactics from the developers who have benefited the most from the lack of transparency and unaccountability of the BPDA. She should ignore them.

Add your name, calling on Mayor Wu to stick to her guns and move forward quickly with six steps toward a fairer and more inclusive planning process for our City.

Sponsored by

Alternatives for Community and Environment

Boston, MA

To: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
From: [Your Name]

I was thrilled that you made abolishing the Boston Planning and Development Agency a key part of your winning mayoral platform.

ACE and other housing justice advocates have been calling to get rid of the BPDA for a long time (as you have in the Council -- thanks!). Now that you’re in office, you’re likely to hear every manner of denial, distraction, and delay tactics from the developers who have benefited the most from the lack of transparency and unaccountability of the BPDA. You should ignore them.

Here are the six measures we’re asking you to begin immediately:

Transfer all or most of the BPDA’s real estate and property assets to the City
Dissolve or reduce urban renewal powers through (1) a full dissolution decision, (2) sunsetting many urban renewal areas, and/or (3) delegating renewal implementation powers to the City.
Transfer Inclusionary Development Policy execution authority
Remove the BPDA’s authority to shape the Zoning Code
End the BPDA’s affiliation with economic development agencies
Transfer tax incentive powers

You were elected with a truly historic margin -- the most votes a Boston mayor has received in decades. That wasn’t despite your bold plans with the BPDA. You won because of these bold plans.

Now, it’s time to put your plans in motion. It’s time to start abolishing the BPDA and building something better.

Sincerely,