Boston Zoning Code §80B-7 imposes a Development Impact Project linkage fee on large commercial projects, funding affordable housing and job training across the city.
Boston's Linkage program, codified at Boston Zoning Code §80B-7, applies to commercial developments 100,000+ square feet seeking zoning relief. The 2024 linkage rates are roughly $30+/sf for housing contribution and $5+/sf for jobs contribution, indexed annually. Funds flow to the Neighborhood Housing Trust (capital for affordable housing) and the Neighborhood Jobs Trust (workforce training, ESOL, vocational programs). Payments occur over multiple years tied to certificate of occupancy. Boston was the first US city to adopt commercial linkage in 1983. The Mayor's Office and Zoning Commission periodically raise rates to keep pace with construction costs.
Failure to pay linkage fees results in withheld certificates of occupancy, BPDA enforcement, lien against the property, and ineligibility for further BPDA approvals citywide.
See how Boston's affordable housing linkage fee rules stack up against other locations.
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