Austin, TX Visits Boston: Affordable Housing Networking Dinner
Our office hosted a vibrant dinner gathering that brought together 11 Boston-area organizations focused on affordable housing and members of the Austin City Council delegation. It was an evening of dynamic conversations and networking, centered on exchanging ideas and strategies to address housing challenges in both cities.
The discussion delved into innovative approaches beyond inclusionary zoning, such as Boston’s IDP, and highlighted efforts by nonprofit developers, community development corporations (CDCs), land trusts, and policies around funding and zoning reform.
The dinner featured Austin Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool, Council Member Zo Qadri, and staff from Mayor Kirk Watson and Council Member Chito Vela’s offices as well as Jesse Kanson-Benanav, Executive Director of Abundant Housing MA. We were all eager to learn from one another, recognizing that while Austin and Boston are different, exchanging knowledge and engaging in meaningful discussions creates opportunities for mutual growth and shared benefits.
Thank you to each of the individuals and organizations who joined us!
