City of Boston Backstreets

EZ Bonds
Tax-exempt bond financing is available for qualified businesses located within Boston's Empowerment Zone. This financing is similar to that available through BIDFA (see above), however, a broader range of for-profit business enterprises could qualify. Approval includez a guarantee to provide jobs to residents of Boston's Empowerment Zone. Contact Frank Tocci (617)541-2691.

Employment Tax Incentives
Any business employing residents of the Empowerment Zone from certain high-risk groups is eligible for Work Opportunity Credits of up to a total of $2,400 per employee. In addition, Welfare to Work Credits are available to businesses who hire long term family assistance recipients to a maximum of $3,500 per employee. Go to Boston Connects, Inc..

Depreciation Tax Incentive
Under Section 179 of the IRS code, businesses in the Empowerment Zone are eligible for a tax deduction of up to $44,000 in 2001 on any depreciable tangible property acquired after the designation of Boston's EZ. Go to Boston Connects, Inc..

ReStore Boston
ReStore Boston provides matching loans and grants (up to $7,000 per storefront) to help neighborhood business and property owners complete storefront renovation projects. All loans and grants must meet eligibility criteria. In addition to funding, ReStore Boston provides professional architectural design services at no cost to the business to ensure improvements are well planned and of the highest quality. Contact Aaron Schleifer (617) 635-0290.

Inspectional Services Department
Inspectional Services provides assistance on obtaining the licenses and permits required for doing business in Boston as well as modifying and constructing new structures in the City. Inspectional Services also is responsible for enforcing the City's zoning code. Contact (617) 635-5300.

Small and Local Business Enterprise Office
Businesses that are locally established and are small could apply for certification. Once certified, the companies will be placed in the S/LBE Directory, which is distributed free of charge to all City departments, agencies, general contractors, private sector businesses, and organizations. Contact Lisa Rawls (617) 635-4084.

Environment Department
The Environment Department will provide information or referrals regarding environmental or historic preservation issues. Contact (617) 635-3850.

Assessing Department-Personal Property Unit
Business owners must pay taxes on private property used to conduct business. For questions regarding this tax contact (617) 635-1165.

Boston Water & Sewer Commission
The Boston Water & Sewer Commission maintains all water & sewer lines in the city. To report blocked or broken sewer lines contact (617) 989-7000.

Mayor's Office of New Bostonians
Assists all new Bostonians from diverse cultural and linguistic communities in accessing important services provided by city government. Contact 617-635-2980.

City Clerk's Office
Register your business with the City government by filing a Business Certificate at the City Clerk's Office. Contact (617) 635-4600.

Transportation Department
The Transportation Department replaces or repairs missing street signs or repairs malfunctioning traffic signals. Contact (617) 635-4BTD or 635-4283; To pay or appeal a parking ticket contact (617) 635-4410.

Public Works Department
The Public Works Department provides many basic services for the City such as street cleaning, street lighting, road repair. Contact (617) 635-7500.

Mayor's 24-Hour Constituent Services
The City responds to your concerns on any City related issue through this 24-hour hot line. Contact (617) 635-4500.