Greater Boston is one of the most beautiful urban areas in the world, with its rivers flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, its famous parks and numerous community-based gardens, small parks and other open spaces.  The revitalization of the seaport and waterfront areas—and the Harbor Islands—offers additional exciting opportunities for residents to explore and enjoy.

The Boston Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of the built and natural environment through public policy research and advocacy.  It also fosters the involvement and informed participation of residents, especially low-income families and individuals, in promoting environmental justice and assessing, planning and caring for the urban environment through public education and advocacy.  Over the years, the Foundation has supported the numerous nonprofit organizations that are working in close partnership with the public sector to maintain and improve Greater Boston’s urban environment.

Learn about the Boston Foundation’s grantmaking priorities in the Urban Environment.

Urban Environment Spotlight:

Beaches We Can Be Proud Of Report examines the condition of 14 area beaches and found a $3.2 million annual shortfall in beach maintenance and operating costs. Learn more »

Indicators-related research: July 13, 2007 Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment, 'Confronting Climate Change in the US Northeast: Climate, Impacts and Solutions reports two possible scenarios for the Northeast climate, and posits that the region can play a major role in addressing global climate change. October 26, 2007 Access the Boston Indicators Environment and Energy Sector data. October 26, 2007 Access the Boston Indicators Environment and Energy Sector data.		Selected grants: December 14, 2006 Boston Natural Areas Network December 14, 2006 Conservation Law Foundation
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Recent Urban Environment Reports:

Boston Unplugged Internet access is a critical tool for cities across the country and around the world that compete in the new economy driven by knowledge networks and information. Wireless technology is an affordable strategy to bridge the "digital divide" and pave the way for innovation and new tools that can strengthen education, enrich civic participation and nurture community networks. join us for an exciting look into the future of communications in Boston in the 21st century.     Read Report

Boston's Harbor and Waterfront: A Renaissance Underway Boston's Waterfront is undergoing a remarkable transformation, as new neighborhoods emerge on the Waterfront, with new parks and public spaces, civil and cultural institutions, new housing, hotels, office buildings, stores and new restaurants. Great things are happening on the Waterfront, and on the Harbor itself. Our beaches are cleaner, and our bays are healthier than they have been in our lifetime.    Read Report

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Urban Environment Forums:

Engineering the Road Ahead: The Central Artery/Tunnel Project May 08, 2006 While much of the current dialogue about the Central Artery/Tunnel Project is focused on continuing construction problems, the Boston Foundation and the Boston Society of Civil Engineers decided to step back and take a broader view by cosponsoring a symposium called “Engineering the Road Ahead.” The symposium, held on May 8th at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, reviewed the long road to completion, including the many challenges encountered along the way, but it also explored what the completed project will mean for the people of Massachusetts and the region.

The Quality of Life in Our Neighborhoods: Successes and Challenges in Addressing Crime January 29, 2004 The Community Safety Forum SeriesThe Quality of Life in Our Neighborhoods: Successes and Challenges in Addressing CrimeThe Community Safety Forum Series explores a range of public safety issues, their impact on the community, public policy, and the potential for system change.

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