Boston's Mayoral Race 2021
News & Commentary
Wu Takes Office in New Era for Boston Government
New Boston Mayor Michelle Wu outlined a vision of a city government that lifts up residents through ambitious policy goals and nuts-and-bolts services alike.
Boston’s Acting Mayor Kim Janey Delivers Farewell Speech
Acting Mayor Kim Janey — Boston’s first woman and first Black resident to serve in the top post — bid farewell to the office Wednesday, ticking off a series of accomplishments during her brief tenure, including helping the city navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amid Free T Talk, Speaker’s Eye on MBTA Maintenance
Boston Mayor-elect Michelle Wu’s push for a fare-free T has generated a lot of buzz on Beacon Hill, and now House Speaker Ronald Mariano wants his concerns about MBTA maintenance to catch her attention.
Boston’s New Mayor Faces Crucial Choice
Wu has pledged to rezone the entire city, with new rules of the road for developers, set by people who live in the Boston’s many neighborhoods. But there are two very different versions of how that could turn out.
Now the Hard Work Begins
Mayor-elect Michelle Wu should consider making several of her rival’s important policy proposals her own as she embarks on what will doubtless be a lengthy citywide rezoning process that should allow for more as-of-right growth.
Arts Groups Want Spotlight in Future Development
Boston Mayor-elect Michelle Wu has some ideas about how to save the city’s cultural venues from extinction. Her arts-and-culture platform calls for the city’s zoning code to be updated with new requirements for studio, rehearsal, performance and live-work artist housing.
Michelle Wu Wins Boston Mayoral Race
At-Large City Councilor Michelle Wu has declared victory over fellow At-Large City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George in the race to be Boston’s next mayor.
How Boston Candidates Would Retool Real Estate
Boston mayoral candidates Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George have some common critiques about how the city regulates real estate development, but their approaches reflect the difference between a gut renovation and a teardown.
Can’t Boost Home Ownership Without More Homes
Boosting first-generation and first-time homebuyers has become popular among banks and politicians looking to boost their communities. But without commensurate effort to boost home building, these efforts will come to naught in the face of plenty of all-cash offers.
Why Boston Candidates, Banks Want to Boost Homeownership
From Boston’s mayoral race to the Biden administration’s Build Back Better agenda, boosting homeownership rates is being held up as the most important solution to reducing the wealth gap between white households and people of color.
Baker Leaves Door Cracked to Rent Control
Gov. Charlie Baker said Tuesday that he would “probably not” sign a law reviving rent control if the legislature were to send one to his desk.
Essaibi George, Wu Clash in Final Mayoral Debate
Boston City Councilors Annissa Essaibi George and Michelle Wu clashed on everything from rent control to public transportation as they faced off Monday in a feisty, final televised debate of Boston’s historic mayoral contest. Essaibi George repeatedly faulted Wu on a...
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.