Boston Will Urge Developers to Provide Diversity Disclosures

Stopping short of a mandate, the city plans to request that developers provide information about diversity and inclusion on their teams.

1 minute read

August 22, 2022, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Massachusetts

aphotostory / Shutterstock

As reported by Yvonne Abraham in a paywalled article in the Boston Globe, the city of Boston plans to ask developers to provide diversity disclosures, which the city already requires for projects on publicly owned properties. The policy would encourage developers to consider equity and inclusion in their project teams.

While the city may not be able to mandate such disclosures for private land, “City housing chief Sheila Dillon said collecting data on developers’ diversity plans will be an invaluable tool to show both what the city is doing right and where it can improve.”

According to Abraham, “The disclosure would ask developers to ‘include economic participation, employment, and management roles by people of color, women,’ and certified minority- and women-owned business enterprises.” 

The BPDA plans to use data collected over the next six to nine months to understand disparities and eventually incorporate the policy into the city’s zoning code. “Segun Idowu, the city’s chief of economic opportunity and inclusion, said a policy change to BPDA’s Article 80 process — which is how most large real estate projects are reviewed by the city — would make sure that many who have been excluded from the real estate development process are able to participate in projects.”

Friday, August 19, 2022 in The Boston Globe

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

5 seconds ago - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

1 hour ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Close-up of white sign with black text; line drawing of bike and 'BIKE LANE'

Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash

Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.

2 hours ago - Houston Chronicle