Boston's Mayoral Race 2021
News & Commentary
Boston May Not Get the Mayor It Needs, But It Could Get Close
After long conversations with both candidates, Banker & Tradesman’s editorial board has endorsed the candidate its members think will best grapple with the city’s housing and development challenges.
B&T’s Editorial Board Interviews Annissa Essaibi George
Banker & Tradesman’s editorial board and associate editor for commercial real estate interviewed Boston mayoral candidate Annissa Essaibi George on the afternoon of Oct. 8, 2021 about her views on development how she would handle some of the pressing concerns that will face Boston’s next mayor.
B&T’s Editorial Board Interviews Michelle Wu
Banker & Tradesman’s editorial board and associate editor for commercial real estate interviewed Boston mayoral candidate Michelle Wu on the afternoon of Oct. 15, 2021 about her views on development how she would handle some of the pressing concerns that will face Boston’s next mayor. This transcript of that interview has been edited for clarity.
Don’t Be Afraid of Change. Embrace It to Find Success
Real estate can help design this new future or be remembered as one of the obstacles future generations had to overcome to get there. But either way, time will march on, and justice will continue to seep into all aspects of business.
Report: Boston Construction Sites Not Meeting Equity Rules
Rules in Boston that set minimums for the participation of city residents, women and people of color as workers on construction projects are not being met by the vast majority of top projects.
Could a Home Ownership Push Fight Boston’s Affordability Problems?
When it comes to combatting ever more expensive housing prices and rents, Boston mayors have pretty much drawn from the same playbook over the past quarter-century. Whether that strategy is actually working is a matter of much debate.
Boston Mayoral Hopefuls Face Off in Debate
Boston City Councilors Annissa Essaibi George and Michelle Wu drew sharp distinctions between their campaigns as they faced off Wednesday in the first head-to-head televised debate of the final stretch of Boston’s mayoral contest.
Essaibi George Pledges TOPA, ‘Anti-Speculation Tax’ in First 100 Days
Boston mayoral candidate Annissa Essaibi George announced a 46-page “inclusion and justice agenda” aimed at reducing systemic inequalities in access to city government, housing, education and other city services.
Wu Wins Major Endorsement in Boston Mayoral Race
At-large City Councilor Michelle Wu landed what could be one of her most consequential endorsements to date as she tries to become Boston’s next mayor.
Major Construction Union Backs Essaibi George
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103 announced its endorsement of Boston mayoral candidate Annissa Essaibi George during an event at its office on Freeport Street in Dorchester yesterday.
Can Michelle Wu Have It Both Ways on Development?
The front-runner in the Boston mayoral race has big plans for transforming Boston. But big plans require big money – the kind only created by rising tax receipts from new development.
UPDATED: Wu, Essaibi George Win Spots in General Election
Both candidates say they have taken top spots in the preliminary election to be Boston’s next permanent mayor, and their challengers have all conceded.
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.