Marty believes every Bostonian deserves full and equal access to live, work, play, and learn. He also knows that making our city safer and more walkable benefits all residents. As mayor, one of the first issues he took on was to fight for accessible sidewalk ramps in historic districts. He has empowered the City of Boston’s Disabilities Commission to expand and advance its work on meeting all types of challenges. He has upgraded City Hall’s accessibility, both in person and online. And he set specific targets for creating accessible homes as part of his Housing Plan. Marty’s vision for an accessible Boston isn’t a stand-alone set of policies: He’s made it a guiding principle in everything he does. Fighting for those who have been denied their rights is core to who Marty is. He’ll never stop fighting to make sure Boston is a City where everyone feels welcome and everyone can thrive — a Boston for all of us.

Marty’s Record

  • Created the Disability Housing Taskforce and, based on its work, announced new targets for the creation of accessible housing.
  • Signed the Communications Access Ordinance – to make City services available in more languages.
  • Improved the website. Made sure the new City of Boston website meets high standards of accessibility.
  • Made more sidewalks and ramps accessible across the city.
  • Worked with MBTA to ensure an accessible path from new Government Center T Station to front doors of City Hall.
  • Made sure City Hall upgrades improved accessibility, from Plaza activities to third floor lobby redesign, to public and work spaces in every section of the building.
  • Held the City’s first annual Civic Engagement Day for residents with disabilities, to connect them with elected officials, City staff, and City services.
  • Partnered with The Boston Home and nonprofit developers on Harmon Apartments, 36 affordable, accessible homes for adults with significant mobility and functional impairments.
  • Partnered with the Martin Richard Foundation, the state, and others to design and fund Martin’s Park, an inclusive and accessible playground next to the Children’s Museum on Fort Point Channel.

Marty’s Plan

  • Increase the supply of housing for persons with disabilities and increase the number of accessible units in new housing developments that the city funds.
  • Launch a tool that allows drivers to identify accessible parking spots near desired locations.
  • Launch a tool that allows users to map out accessible pedestrian routes through the city.
  • Increase accessibility requirements for private housing developers through the BPDA process.
  • Create a comprehensive resource guide and expand online information about accessible housing.
  • Launch a new loan fund for families creating an accessory unit for a family member with a disability.