Linkage

Development Impact Project Exactions

The City of Boston’s Development Impact Project (DIP) Exactions policy, more commonly known as the “Linkage” policy, ensures that large-scale real estate development brings direct benefits to Boston’s residents in the form of affordable housing and workforce training. Currently, any commercial real estate development project requiring zoning relief that proposes to erect, enlarge or extend, or substantially rehabilitate a structure by over 100,000 square feet is required to pay a contribution to the Neighborhood Housing Trust for the creation and preservation of affordable housing, and to the Neighborhood Jobs Trust for job training and job readiness.

The City of Boston recently commissioned a nexus/feasibility study to better understand how the City can increase the current fees, and Mayor Wu announced proposed changes to this policy. The Mayor's proposed changes to the Linkage Policy include lowering the threshold and exemption from 100,000 square feet to 50,000 square feet, increasing the total linkage fee over two years to $30.78 per square foot for lab space, and to $23.09 for other commercial uses, up from $15.39. Sixteen percent of the fees will support job training and job preparedness programs, while the remaining 84 percent will support the creation and preservation of affordable housing. The increase in the fees will be phased in over two years. Projects with both lab and office space will be considered on a pro-rata basis. Linkage funds are used to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing, as well as to support the job training and job readiness needs of Boston’s residents.

Resources

Current Versions

Previous Versions

Translated Materials

We are seeking general input from the public through this web page and through a public meeting on January 11, 2023.

Submit your public comments on the proposal below. The comment period has been extended from January 15 to February 1. Please submit comments by February 1, 2023.

Linkage: Questions and Comments

Questions, concerns, comments? We want to hear from you.

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Public Meeting on Linkage and Lab Uses Zoning Update

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM