Boston is currently facing a housing crisis that threatens the city’s economic diversity and long-term stability. As one of the most expensive cities in the United States, the gap between escalating rents and stagnant wages has pushed the dream of homeownership — and even stable tenancy—out of reach for thousands. To preserve Boston’s character and economic vitality, a comprehensive approach involving legislative reform, financial innovation, and community investment is essential.
For decades, housing production for single-family and multifamily units has failed to keep pace with the city’s booming population, driven by the tech and biotech sectors and transient student populations. This scarcity has fluctuated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, most recently, to the present federal immigration policies.
Furthermore, the rising cost of construction materials and labor makes it difficult for developers to build “middle-income” housing without significant subsidies, leading to a market dominated by luxury developments. A recent study by the Boston Foundation, the 2025 Greater Boston Housing Report Card, presented a glass-half-empty narrative. Based on their research, the region saw a historic surge in home completions, but affordability has hit an all-time low and future supply is at risk.
There are many contradictions at play in the analysis. First, Massachusetts added 97,656 new units between April 2020 and July 2025, with over 71,000 of those in Greater Boston. This pace suggests the state is “within striking distance” of its goal to build 222,000 units by 2035. However, starter home prices have risen from $98,000 to $162,000, and the average mortgage payment has risen over 60%, from $2,520 to $4,520
In the rental market, nearly half of all renters remain “cost-burdened,” spending over 30% of their income on rent. For Black and Latino households, this figure is even higher, with roughly one-third of Black renter households paying more than 50% of their income toward housing.
Boston must modernize its zoning codes to allow for higher density by right, particularly by fully implementing the MBTA Communities Act. In their research, the BF found that no communities opted to upzone traditional single-family neighborhoods, preferring to tuck new density into commercial or industrial corridors. In addition, ending exclusionary zoning and minimum parking requirements would lower development costs and increase the volume of available units.
If industrial corridors are used for housing, then converting underutilized commercial office space into residential units is another necessity in a post-pandemic economy. The city should strengthen requirements for developers to include affordable units within market-rate projects by expanding the Inclusionary Development Policy, or increase contributions to the Inclusionary Equity Fund. By raising the required affordable-unit threshold the city can ensure that new growth does not come at the expense of lower-income residents.
Using city-owned land for affordable housing development can also significantly reduce project costs. Additionally, supporting Community Land Trusts ensures that housing remains permanently affordable by removing land from the speculators, providing long-term security for residents.
While increasing supply is the long-term fix, immediate relief is needed. Implementing modest rent stabilization measures and expanding “Right to Counsel” for tenants facing eviction can prevent displacement and homelessness during this transitional period.
The Boston housing crisis is not insurmountable, but it requires the courage to prioritize people over traditional zoning aesthetics. By embracing density, protecting vulnerable tenants, and incentivizing affordable construction, Boston can ensure it remains a city that everyone — from students to seniors — can afford to call home.
Andre Stark
Assoc Publisher, Bay State Banner
