The Boston Planning & Development Agency officially approved and launched the city’s Downtown Residential Conversion Incentive Program, which encourages developers to convert underutilized offices into residences. 

The goal is to create more downtown housing and bring more foot traffic to support downtown businesses. The announcement marks the opening of the application process. It was designed to respond to post-pandemic economic shifts and put more priority on expanding downtown housing options, according to the agency.

In July, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the launch of the program’s pilot and that applications for the public-private partnership would begin in the fall. They will be jointly administered by the BPDA, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and the city of Boston’s finance cabinet.

The plan includes Boston’s Downtown/Financial District, Chinatown, the Bulfinch Triangle, the Historic District, the Leather District and the Fort Point Channel Historic District. 

It’s not just downtown offices that can participate either. Projects and office buildings throughout the city will be considered on a case-by-case basis, according to the BPDA. 

Additionally, the BPDA is working with federal and state officials on short-term grant opportunities that could give property owners looking to convert an office building additional benefits. 

The application process is open through June 2024. Applicants will be approved on a rolling basis and must commit to pulling building permits and starting construction by October 2025.