Imagine Boston 2030
Imagine Boston 2030 defines a vision for Boston leading up to its 400th birthday and beyond.
Imagine Boston 2030 is Boston's first citywide plan in 50 years. Shaped by more than 15,000 residents, we've created a framework to preserve and enhance Boston.
About
The general plan of 1965 sought to convince people that Boston’s decline had ended. Fast-forward to today, and it’s clear that Boston has undergone an incredible transformation.
Today, Boston is in a uniquely powerful position to create quality jobs, strengthen our competitive economy, add the housing our city needs to become more affordable, and prepare for climate change. To achieve this vision, we'll embrace growth as a way to address our challenges and make the City stronger and more inclusive.
Imagine Boston 2030 has set the following goals to guide implementation and evaluate success:
- encourage affordability, reduce displacement, and improve quality of life
- increase access to opportunity
- drive inclusive economic growth
- promote a healthy environment and prepare for climate change, and
- invest in open space, arts and culture, transportation, and infrastructure.
- Housing a Changing City released (September 2015)
- IB2030 engagement (November 2015 - June 2017)
- Guiding Growth (March 2016)
- First Draft: Enhancing Opportunities (November 2016)
- Second Draft: Imagine Boston 2030 (May 2017)
- Final Document (July 2017)
How we're getting it done
Imagine Boston identifies types of places for growth and enhancement. Today, Boston can be thought about as three distinct types of places:
- existing neighborhoods
- the commercial core, and
- edge areas.
We will enhance neighborhoods and continue to encourage a mixed-use core. We’ll do this while expanding neighborhoods. We must also create a resilient and inclusive waterfront for future generations. We want to expand access to opportunity and reduce disparities along the Fairmount Corridor.
Imagine Boston 2030’s action areas are physical locations where initiatives come together to respond to key opportunities and challenges. They are the physical embodiment of Boston's boldest aspirations: a set of initiatives that, when implemented in the same location, will achieve multiple goals. The Boston Planning & Development Agency's planning initiatives are instrumental in the fulfillment of the vision and goals defined by the process.
Taking action
Create a waterfront for future generations
Boston’s waterfront has shaped urban development since the City’s inception.
Encourage a mixed-use core
Boston’s core is the anchor of the City’s economy.
Enhance neighborhoods
Residents care about strengthening what we love about our neighborhoods.
Expand neighborhoods
Residents identified areas between neighborhoods as places where Boston can grow.
Generate networks of opportunity: Fairmount Corridor
The corridor is home to a diverse population. This includes a growing population of school-aged children and immigrant communities.
Initiatives
Arts and culture
We strive to create a vibrant public art realm. We encourage Arts Innovation Districts, support existing artists, and attract new artists.
Economy
We strive to give pathways to quality careers. We want to strengthen wealth-building policies. Our goal is to encourage job growth and support our small businesses.
Education
We will build a system that is student-centered and easy-to-navigate. We'll prioritize equity, innovation, and learning.
Energy and environment
Boston is taking a combined approach to addressing climate change.
Health and safety
We strive to address persistent health inequities. We'll do this by setting goals for improving health outcomes for all residents.
Housing
We will encourage responsible housing production. We'll work to increase affordable housing options and reduce displacement.
Land use and planning
Land can be used to guide growth and meet citywide policy goals.
Open space
Boston is home to some of the country’s most iconic parkland. Almost every Bostonian lives within a 10-minute walk to a park or open space.
Technology
We're continuing to embrace technology in our City infrastructure and services.
Transportation
Our transit network connects residents to opportunity and creates vibrant neighborhoods.
Imagine Boston 2030 Metrics
Learn more about how we're tracking progress with Imagine Boston 2030.
Upham's Corner activation
We aim to revitalize the culture, stimulate commerce, and celebrate the Fairmount Corridor connector as a vital cultural anchor. Learn more about the Upham's process.
Other planning initiatives
Boston Creates
The first cultural planning process for the City of Boston.
Reforms and Organizational Strategy
The Boston Planning and Development Agency's efforts to serve the public in a transparent manner.
Climate Ready Boston
Addressing climate change challenges through bold and creative actions.
Go Boston 2030
A mobility plan to address the most pressing transportation issues.
Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030
We're creating a city where all Bostonians can find a place to call home.
PLAN Initiatives
Creating long-term visions for places and communities across Boston.
Corresponding plans
Corresponding plans
Imagine Boston videos
What does 2030 look like to you?
We asked a few people to answer two questions.
Imagine Boston... together
Add your voice to the Imagine Boston 2030 plan.
Imagine Boston 2030 data video
Here's how we are tracking progress with Imagine Boston 2030.
Imagine Boston 2030 capital budget
Learn more about the capital budget plan for Imagine Boston 2030.
