(Left to Right): Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board; Nicole Upano, AVP, Housing Policy & Regulatory Affairs, NAA; Dani Bastarache, deputy assistant secretary for public housing and voucher programs; Cecelia Bolognia, president of the Massachusetts Apartment Association; Adrienne Maley, executive vice president of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board; Steve Lucas, chief of staff, Office of Public and Indian Housing. Credit: Greater Boston Real Estate Board

In a bid to strengthen the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) leaders visited Boston and joined leaders from the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) and the real estate industry to meet residents, tour housing communities and discuss collaborative strategies.

At the Nov. 27 event, Steve Lucas, chief of staff for HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing, commended the city for demonstrating how local government can bring together residents and owners to “meaningfully address affordable housing needs and build stronger communities through HUD’s HCV program.” 

“The quality of housing we’ve seen in Boston, combined with the support for individuals and  families served through the Housing Choice Voucher program by the Boston Housing Authority,  demonstrates the promise of the voucher program in the hands of truly committed partners,” Lucas said. 

In attendance was HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Public Housing and Voucher Programs Danielle Bastarache, BHA CEO Kenzie Bok, Peabody Companies CEO Melissa Fish-Crane and Massachusetts Apartment Association President Cecelia Bolognia.

The day included a discussion of the lessons learned, as well as challenges faced in implementing the Section 8 program throughout the city.

The group next toured the Ausonia Apartments, a 100-unit community owned by the BHA, which is set for renovation and conversion to a Section 8 property. They also visited Christopher Columbus Plaza, a property managed by the Peabody Companies.

During the visit, Bastarache also spoke with Section 8 tenants to gain insight into their experiences and viewpoints.

“All Boston families regardless of income level deserve access to high-quality housing,” Bok said. “Today’s meeting alongside both federal and  industry partners provided critical insights into how we can improve the experience of not just  Section 8 renters, but the property owners we partner with.”