The mission of the Department of Neighborhood Development is to make Boston the most livable city in the nation by working with communities to build strong neighborhoods through the strategic investment of public resources.
Under the leadership of DND Director and Housing Chief, Evelyn Friedman, DND provides services and programs to the City's neighborhoods (map below) through eight operating divisions:
Administration and Finance (A&F) manages DND's annual budget of approximately $100 million, and provides oversight and management for a broad array of departmental responsibilities. A&F staff manage the flow and efficient processing of federal funds to DND projects and programs; administer contracts for administrative and construction services; monitor conformity with affordability covenants placed on property developed with DND funds; maintain project records in accordance with state and federal regulations; provide administrative support and services to DND and oversee the department's Management Information Systems (MIS).
Director's Office is comprised of Legal Services, Marketing, and Media and Public Relations.
Legal Services provides in-house legal services to the director, management, and staff of DND. Staff attorneys practice in the areas of real estate and contract law, handling such transactions as closings, conveyances and restructurings. They also prepare loan and grant documentation for housing and commercial development, review contracts and requests for proposals, and provide advice on human resources, labor relations, and ethics issues.
Marketing is responsible for a significant portion of external agency communications, ranging from brochures about programs, to major policy publications and annual reports, to production of print advertising and public service announcements for television and radio. Marketing provides writing, editing, design, layout, photographic and production services to DND.
Media and Public Relations (MPR) is the office of the spokesperson for DND, and is responsible for all public communication with the media. MPR staff coordinate and produce all agency public announcements, press conferences, and other public events that it coordinates with the Mayor's Office. In addition, MPR designs and maintains DND's website.
The Boston Home Center (BHC) provides first-time homebuyers with educational courses and financial assistance, and markets homes developed for income-eligible, first-time homebuyers. The BHC also assists homeowners with education and foreclosure prevention counseling, and encourages strong, stable neighborhoods by providing residents with financing and technical assistance to maintain and improve their homes.
Neighborhood Housing Development(NHD) works with non-profit and for-profit partners to develop and preserve affordable housing and create neighborhood open spaces. It enhances neighborhoods by renovating abandoned properties and providing housing and services for Boston's most vulnerable residents.
Office of Business Development (OBD) revitalizes neighborhood business districts. This Division supports the work of the city's innovative Main Streets program and the Boston Business Assistance Center. It offers financial and technical assistance for existing small businesses and startups. It also assists non-profit organizations with matching capital funds to improve their facilities.
Policy Development and Research (PDR) supports DND with program development assistance, research and policy analysis, mapping and data services, as well as grant-writing and technical assistance on regulatory and compliance matters. PDR staff also oversee the citizen participation process for the City of Boston's annual formula grant allocations from HUD and prepare the required four-year Consolidated Plan and one-year Action Plans.
Real Estate Management & Sales (REMS) manages the city's vacant and tax-foreclosed land and buildings. REMS also works with communities to determine appropriate uses for city-owned property and conveys these properties for housing and commercial development as well as other uses.
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©2008 The City of Boston
