Boston is currently undergoing a surge in development not seen in a generation or more. As cranes fill the skies from East Boston to the Innovation District to Chinatown to Roxbury, the city is entering an era of massive change. At the same time, Boston has, for some time now, been one of the most unequal cities in the country. Many of its residents, even during the boom, will continue to face numerous barriers to full employment and affordable housing. 

Amid all this, the city is undergoing its greatest political change in a generation. During the 2013 mayoral campaign, newly elected Mayor Marty Walsh vowed to leverage his ties to the unions and champion policies to build a more inclusive trades workforce. The time is now to put in place policies and programs that ensure all of Boston benefits from the explosion of development happening throughout the city, and continuing for years to come.