BRA History

In 1957 the BRA was established by the Boston City Council and the Massachusetts Legislature. Its statutory authority was set forth in the Massachusetts General Laws chapter 121B, section 4. At that time the agency began overseeing development that was previously led by the Boston Housing Authority and its oversight was expanded to include development beyond public housing. 

The agency's redevelopment stewardship includes the jurisdiction to buy and sell property, acquire property through eminent domain, and grant tax concession to encourage commercial and residential development under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 121A.

In 1960 by another act of the Massachusetts Legislature set forth in the Massachusetts General Laws chapter 652, section 12, the City Planning Board was merged with the BRA. 

EDIC History

The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) was established by the Massachusetts Legislature and set forth in Chapter 1097 of the Acts of 1971. The EDIC is a quasi-public entity that leads local economic development activities at industrial and manufacturing properties in Boston, including the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park (formerly known as the Boston Marine Industrial Park) and Charlestown Navy Yard, in accordance with an economic development plan. The work is designed to increase employment, eliminate decadent and blighted open areas, attract new industry, expand existing industry, and to create jobs and business opportunity.

1993 Merger of BRA and EDIC

The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) were merged into a single citywide development agency by Mayor Thomas M. Menino in 1993. They continue to maintain their separate functions as established by the Massachusetts Legislature.