Boston has taken important steps to advance fair and inclusive housing through its Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) zoning rule. Rooted in the principles of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the 2015 HUD Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, AFFH aims to address historical housing discrimination, promote integration, and ensure equal access to safe, affordable homes for all residents, regardless of their background. A key aspect of Boston’s success in this area was the pivotal role Boston Tenant Organization played in organizing the 7-year drive that led to the city’s AFFH policy. Through the hard work of BTC and other community groups, the city engaged deeply with residents, especially those from marginalized communities, to ensure that their voices were at the center of Boston’s fair housing efforts. This community-driven approach has been crucial in shaping policies that not only address past wrongs but actively create opportunities for equitable housing in the future.

Why Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Matters

For decades, discriminatory practices like redlining and exclusionary zoning marginalized communities of color, limiting access to housing, economic opportunities, and essential services. Boston’s AFFH  zoning rule is a proactive approach to addressing these injustices and ensuring that development projects actively contribute to fair housing goals.

Boston’s Groundbreaking AFFH Zoning Amendment

In 2020, Boston became the first city in the nation to incorporate AFFH into its zoning code. Under this policy, developers of large residential projects must:

  • Assess their impact on housing equity and displacement risk.
  • Demonstrate how their project furthers fair housing goals.
  • Increase affordable housing opportunities beyond existing requirements.
  • Ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

A community-driven effort led by BTC and Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston, Boston’s AFFH zoning was developed with extensive input from residents, fair housing advocates, and legal groups. It serves as a national model for cities aiming to promote equitable housing policies that benefit all communities.

Our Steering Committee is working to keep the city accountable. During the summer of 2017 we aided the city in pulling communities together and collecting testimony of peoples struggle. Now we are helping them finish their Assessment of Fair Housing report.

We need you to help us hold the City of Boston accountable!