Boston Residents Jobs Policy building permit enforcement

At a glance

What: whether the city can withhold building permits from developers or contractors that do not comply with the Boston Residents Jobs Policy.
Where it stands: raised by Flynn on October 15, 2026 under Docket No. 0218. The presenters said Inspectional Services does not check compliance at permitting today; they will compare the 1985/1986 and 2017 policy texts and answer.
What to watch: whether the office confirms the 1985 provision is still in force and whether the council asks for permit-stage enforcement.

Flynn read from a July 1985 executive order signed by Mayor Flynn stating that the Inspectional Services commissioner shall not issue a building or use permit unless the Boston Redevelopment Authority director certifies the project is consistent with the approved residency employment standards.
Jody said she was not familiar with a permitting link, noted Inspectional Services must follow the state building code, and said data is shared with the awarding authority before a certificate of occupancy on public projects. She said private developers sign a compliance plan under Article 80 before permitting, and offered to share the 1986 and 2017 versions.
Flynn also asked why contracts go to general contractors with a poor compliance history; she said the dashboard gives procurement that history but state procurement law is rigid.

About 8 minutes across 1 meeting (from transcript timestamps; approximate).

Meeting	Minutes
2026-10-15 - Labor, Workforce & Economic Development Committee	8

2026-10-15 - Labor, Workforce & Economic Development Committee - Flynn read the 1985 executive order barring permits without certified compliance; Jody said she would compare the 1985/1986 and 2017 versions.