Boston officials outline expanded homeownership programs, pipeline and funding limits

Boston housing officials told a City Council committee on Oct. 9 that the mayor’s office has increased programs to help first-time buyers and is supporting the creation of more affordable homeownership units, but cautioned the council that many of the recent gains rely on temporary funding and will be hard to sustain.

Mayor’s Office of Housing Chief Sheila Dillon and Karen Rebaza, director of the Boston Home Center, outlined city programs including down-payment and closing-cost assistance, educational classes and partnerships with nonprofits. "Homeownership and it's it's not just about buying a home, and we know that," Rebaza said during the committee hearing. Dillon credited council support with expanding the city’s work: "We have been trying very, very hard. We are not perfect, but your support has really helped us in neighborhoods," she said.

The hearing, convened by Councilor Liz Braden and requested by Councilors Julia Mejia, Brian Worrell and Erin Murphy, reviewed the administration’s work to expand pathways to ownership. Rebaza said the city’s Boston Home Center provides counseling, technical assistance and targeted programs such as a condominium…