Direct Displacement Disclosure
In July 2025, the BPDA Board adopted Boston’s first comprehensive Anti-Displacement Action Plan. The Plan included a commitment to create a Direct Displacement Disclosure, requesting that developers notify all parties involved if their proposed project could cause displacement. The goal of the Disclosure is to help mitigate direct residential, small business, or cultural displacement associated with Large or Small Projects subject to Article 80 review, creating more predictability for all parties. The Disclosure was adopted by the Board in October 2025 as a 12 month pilot commencing January 1, 2026. At its conclusion, it may be extended for an additional 12 months.
It includes two key components. The first is a Tenant Notification Form (TNF). Proponents are advised to mail the TNF to current tenants 30 days before project filing to make them aware of the proposed project and direct them to available resources. At the request of proponents, the City has created a Residential Tenant Notification Form and a Commercial/Cultural Tenant Notification Form, and translated both into the twelve languages most commonly spoken in Boston.
The second component is the Direct Displacement Disclosure itself, which is when the proponent notifies the City of any tenants directly impacted by the proposed project. All proponents should complete the Disclosure and submit it along with their project filing (PNF or SPRA.) In instances of direct displacement of high priority populations and tenancies, the proponent should include any displacement mitigation actions they are prepared to take.
The pilot will be evaluated at its conclusion, to ensure it is accomplishing the shared objective of the City, project proponents, and community to provide greater predictability and transparency.
Resources:
If you are a tenant looking for additional support, please reach out to the City of Boston team best suited to your needs