This fall, more than 60 percent of Boston residents voted in favor of the Community Preservation Act (CPA), a one percent property tax that will raise nearly $20 million in revenue annually. Since then, we’ve been following how future funds will be allocated. With many Greater Bos...
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At IBA, we continue to watch the changes the Donald Trump administration and Congress will have on affordable housing. One topic we are watching closely is tax reform and its possible effect on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. Created 30 years ago, the LIHTC is a federal program that issues tax credits to state housing agencies. In Massachusetts, the Department of Housing and Co...
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Since Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States 68 days ago, we have seen many changes; but we have also seen the power that many voices have when they join together. These changes have motivated people of all ethnicities, ages, and genders to be informed about the operations of our government, so they can stand up for their beliefs. What is even greater, is the posit...
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Our mission here at IBA is to empower and engage individuals and families to improve their lives through our housing and programs. We know that as our community grows & changes, so must our programs; which is why we are re-introducing our College & Workforce Development (CWD) as College and Financial Empowerment (CFE). CFE Director, Tiana Bonner, hope...
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Since Mayor Martin J. Walsh rolled out his Imagine Boston 2030 initiative in 2015, which vows to develop 53,000 new units of housing by 2030, we have been closely following the promises he’s made and progress that has occurred. Today, affordable housing is more critical than ever, as seen by ...
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Diversity is a critical topic in today’s local real estate industry, and a recent Banker & Tradesman series examines attempts made to improve opportunities for women and minorities. It notes two recent studies highlighting both the progress among women in the industry, while also the wage gap that pers...
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Arts Education increases learning engagement, self-confidence, and cultural acceptance; it empowers our Youth to discover their voices and speak out through creative expression, so one day they will be the leaders our community wants to see. Today, our Youth Development Program is transforming young people's lives by providing quality arts education opportunitie...
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Last year was critical for affordable housing in Boston, and 2017 may be even more important. With new leadership in Washington, D.C., new initiatives from Mayor Martin J. Walsh, and the enactment of the Community Preservation Act, Boston’s affordable housing landscape will continue to evolve. Here’s what we’re keeping an eye on in the year ahead. First, we anticipate continued progress by Mayor ...
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Last Friday, our La Galería filled with people - of all ages and backgrounds - celebrating the opening of Fernando Ruíz Lorenzo’s exhibit, “Ciudadano,” or “Citizen.” The Gallery Opening honored “100 years of Puerto Ricans as citizens of the American empire;” and as one spectator said, the art [and accompanying panel discussion] evoked feelings of “hope and despair.” [caption id="attachment_7548" ...
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We’re excited to host this world renowned saxophonist who is transforming the jazz tradition by infusing it with Puerto Rican folkloric music: Miguel Zenón, a Puerto Rican native, will debut his newest album, “Típico,” at our Villa Victoria Center for the Arts. This multiple Grammy nominee, Guggenheim Fellow, and MacArthur (Genius) Fellow, is not ...
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“The holidays are about bringing our community together,” said CEO Vanessa Calderón-Rosado during our annual Three Kings Celebration last Thursday. As many know, Latino culture encourages community celebration, and the holidays are the perfect excuse to do just that. In fact, in some Latin American countries, like Puerto Rico, the excitement of the Holidays lasts nearly two months and the largest,...
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It was a wonderful year for IBA. We moved forward with key projects, the City of Boston made significant strides in preserving and expanding affordable housing, and CEO Vanessa Calderón-Rosado was recognized for her work in the sector. IBA has played a powerful role in the real estate community, and we’re taking a look back at some of this year’s key highlights: IBA’s Developments:...
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And what an amazing year of Acción 2016 has been! Your Acción, has sustained a legacy that helps empower individuals and families to improve their lives through affordable housing, education, and arts programs. ...
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Last Thursday, our community gathered in Plaza Betances for our annual Tree Lighting. Residents - young and old - were joined by friends, family, and city officials as they came together to enjoy traditional Puerto Rican parrandas music, a visit from Santa, and, of course, light the beautiful tree. Our CEO, Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, deemed the event one of her favorite community gatherings of the ...
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Spending time with family in December is one of the best parts of the season. You share old stories and make new memories while going through your holiday traditions together - like cooking special meals, watching your favorite holiday movies, and decorating the tree. This year, add to those memories and make more that will last for many years to come by decorating your tree with some of these hom...
Read moreIf you see me, back up.