Inclusionary Zoning

In February, 2000 MAHA members stood with Mayor Thomas M. Menino as he announced the city of Boston's first formal policy on inclusionary development. The policy calls for developers of market rate housing to set aside at least 10% of the units as affordable (half to households making less than 80% of the area median income, and half to those making an average of 100% of the area median income). Developers may choose to contribute to a fund to build the affordable units off-site. In that case, they would pay the city an amount equal to 15% of the market rate units times $52,000. Already, the city has received commitments for 184 affordable units and over $1,700,000 in off-site contributions.