As summer settles over Greater Boston, the race for the city’s mayoral seat has intensified, with incumbent Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu vying against her main challenger, philanthropist Josh Kraft.
Both candidates are now fully engaged in a battle for voters’ attention amid a flurry of advertisements across television, online platforms, and direct messaging, all while many residents are preoccupied with the swimming pool and summer vacations.
With Election Day four months away, it is crucial for voters to be aware of the defining issues shaping this fierce campaign, even amid the heat wave blanketing the area.
**Affordable Housing**
For anyone who speaks with a Boston resident, housing costs quickly become a topic of conversation.
The median home price in Boston reached $845,986 in May, marking a 4.5% increase from the previous year.
Furthermore, the average rental cost stands at $3,767, with some neighborhoods like Back Bay and Beacon Hill seeing even higher prices.
This pressing housing crisis has dominated discussions at recent mayoral forums, with both Wu and Kraft expressing support for some form of rent stabilization.
However, Kraft’s approach diverges from Wu’s; he opposes a proposed transfer fee on high-value real estate transactions.
Critics suggest Kraft’s support for rent control is politically strategic, as it resonates with voters.
Wu had previously attempted to convince the Legislature to support her initiative that would cap annual rent increases at 10% or the inflation rate plus 6%, whichever was lower.
In contrast, Kraft advocates for a voluntary plan encouraging landlords to cap rent increases at the inflation rate plus 5% for a decade.
Josh Zakim, a former city councilor and current housing advocate, remarked, ‘It’s the biggest issue facing the city and the commonwealth, and I don’t think you can run a serious campaign for public office here without a plan to address it.’
Both candidates also differ significantly in their strategies to increase affordable housing in the city, coinciding with their support for inclusionary zoning measures.
Wu and Kraft agree on the necessity of housing development, but Kraft proposes a threshold of 13% for affordable units in new real estate developments, while Wu’s position emphasizes the current 20% requirement.
**Public Safety**
Public safety has emerged as another critical focus, especially concerning rising crime in downtown Boston.
Kraft’s campaign has pledged to tackle the open-air drug market present at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, commonly referred to as ‘Mass and Cass.’
He advocates a dual approach that combines enhanced law enforcement with a recovery-first strategy to assist individuals struggling with addiction, alongside housing services to help get people off the streets.
Wu, countering Kraft’s assertions, has emphasized that Boston ranks among the safest large cities in the nation.
In her critiques, Wu points out that many initiatives outlined by Kraft have already been implemented by the city’s Public Health Commission.
She has challenged Kraft’s experience in city politics, emphasizing her extensive involvement in addressing these long-standing issues as mayor and city councilor.
**White Stadium Redevelopment Dispute**
The contest has also featured a local controversy surrounding the redevelopment of the historic White Stadium in Franklin Park.
This project is intended to serve as the home for Boston’s new professional women’s soccer team, yet it has been met with mixed reactions, notably concerning project costs.
Kraft has indicated that the city could incur costs as high as $170 million for redevelopment, nearly double Wu’s reported estimate of $90 million.
In defending her administration, Wu dismissed Kraft’s figures as ‘quite irresponsible,’ arguing that such estimates lack context and accuracy.
The discourse surrounding White Stadium has transformed into a representation of a larger critique leveled against Wu’s administration, primarily concerning responsiveness to resident concerns.
Local community members have expressed anxiety regarding potential disruptions and accessibility consequences stemming from professional athletic events held in public recreational areas.
Wu maintains that the project will prove beneficial, providing new facilities and significant access for city school students, emphasizing her commitment to community investment.
**Campaign Financing Landscape**
In any political race, the flow of funds plays a pivotal role in shaping outcomes, and the Boston mayoral campaign is no exception.
Super PACs, aligned with both Wu and Kraft, have contributed nearly $1 million to the contest, significantly influencing visibility and message dissemination.
The pro-Kraft group, ‘Your City, Your Future,’ has raised substantial funds, including $230,100 between late May and mid-June, as it builds on an earlier $2.4 million raised during the campaign’s early phase.
Their advertisements have focused heavily on attacking Wu, including notable figures such as New Balance Chair Jim Davis and Boston Celtics minority owner Rob Hale among the PAC’s supporters.
Similarly, Wu’s super PAC, Bold Boston, reported raising $743,000 from January to mid-June, with over $256,000 already spent on campaign ads.
These financed efforts have included attacking Kraft’s affiliations with Republican figures, notably aiming to highlight supporters of President Donald Trump as part of his backing.
A surprising finding from the fundraising efforts is the geographic distribution of donations, with 45% of Wu’s contributions coming from Boston residents compared to 32% for Kraft, indicating different levels of local support.
As of recent filings, Wu’s total campaign war chest stands at $2.3 million, while Kraft has contributed $2 million of his own money, currently holding a total of $1.95 million.
In summary, as the summer unfolds and with Election Day on the horizon, the diverging strategies of Wu and Kraft around core issues like housing and public safety will likely play a decisive role in shaping the future leadership of Boston City Hall.
image source from：masslive
