Housing Affordability & Access
Boston's success demands safe, stable, and
affordable housing for every single resident.
The reality is, Boston faces a housing affordability crisis that threatens the very fabric of our community.
We can't afford to wait.
We need action, & we need it now.
I'm committed to a collaborative, results-driven approach. This means working community organizations, residents, the City Council, Mayor's Office, to develop and implement effective solutions—from mixed-income social housing and tackling voucher discrimination to streamlining permitting processes and expanding access to affordable financing.
Safe, affordable housing is
a right, not a privilege.
I'm committed to relentlessly using every possible tool to ensure housing is accessible for every Boston resident.
-Councilor At-Large Henry Santana
Mixed-Income Social Housing
Mixed-Income Social Housing is the blueprint for a better Boston. We're not just combining public investment with financial sustainability; we're creating a model for the nation. This isn't theory; it's proven success, and we're bringing that success to Boston.
Mixed-Income Social Housing isn't just a vision; it's a reality, built on public investment, for the public good.
After a Year of Advocacy, a win for mixed-income Social Housing!
Reimagining City Spaces
We must be strategic about how we utilize existing city resources.
I've co-sponsored a hearing to explore converting vacant schools and other city-owned buildings into affordable homes.
These underutilized spaces offer a powerful opportunity to create much-needed housing without starting from scratch, maximizing taxpayer dollars and building stronger neighborhoods.
Making Renting Fairer
Renting in Boston is too expensive, especially the upfront costs. Broker fees create a huge barrier for Boston’s renters.
I'm fighting to eliminate these unnecessary fees and have co-sponsored legislation to make renting more accessible and fair for everyone.
Protecting Housing Voucher Holders
Housing vouchers are a lifeline for Boston residents struggling with affordability, providing crucial support and the potential to open doors to better opportunities. Yet, the promise of these vouchers is routinely undermined by rampant discrimination against voucher holders. Landlords are shamefully refusing to rent to individuals and families simply because they rely on this critical assistance. This is unacceptable, unjust, and it has to stop.
That's why my first legislative filing was to investigate the full extent of this discrimination and to develop concrete strategies to eradicate it.
We need to hold landlords accountable and ensure that everyone, regardless of how they pay, has an equal opportunity to find a safe and affordable home in the neighborhood of their choice.
Bringing Proven Solutions to Boston
We can learn from other communities. I've organized working sessions with housing experts and officials from Montgomery County, Maryland, and Austin, Texas – places that have made real progress on affordable housing.
We're studying their successes and bringing together Boston’s housing experts to explore how to bring those same solutions to Boston.
