Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA)
HR&A worked with the administration of Mayor Martin J. Walsh to develop Imagine Boston 2030, the city’s first comprehensive plan in 50 years. Through extensive economic, demographic, and land use analysis combined with input from over 14,000 community members, we created an innovative framework to accommodate population and job growth while preserving affordability and expanding opportunity across Boston’s historic neighborhoods.Â
Boston faced the challenge common to many growing cities: how to maintain affordability, invest in infrastructure, and expand access to opportunity while accommodating significant population and economic growth in a land-constrained environment. HR&A conducted comprehensive analyses to estimate housing and workspace needs, then developed a strategy leveraging the City’s physical assets, human capital, and regulatory tools to achieve goals of affordability, inclusive growth, climate preparedness, and quality of life improvements. Working alongside Utile Design and supported by communications and design consultants, we identified three distinct areas requiring customized approaches—existing neighborhoods, the commercial core, and edge areas—and helped build consensus around place-based planning combined with new policies ranging from carbon neutrality to anti-displacement measures.Â
The resulting Imagine Boston 2030 plan provides a clear roadmap for sustainable development that guides new housing and investment toward areas capable of supporting growth while ensuring benefits reach all Bostonians. HR&A’s work directly informed the City’s five-year capital plan by articulating how initiatives would be funded, led, and measured for success. The comprehensive planning framework now guides complementary efforts including Climate Ready Boston and Go Boston 2030, establishing a foundation for coordinated progress toward the city’s long-term vision of equitable and sustainable growth.Â
