Vibrant. Historic. Resilient.
Building a stronger neighborhood together.
We’re committed to engaging, informing, and empowering Downtown Boston neighborhood residents, students, workers, businesses, and stakeholders.
Formed in 2014, the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association is an independent, volunteer-led organization representing more than 1,200 Downtown residents and stakeholders.
We convene residents, businesses, institutions, public officials, and community partners around the opportunities and issues shaping Downtown Boston and affecting quality of life - from planning, zoning, and public safety to transportation and economic development.
Working together to make Downtown Boston safer
Public safety remains one of DBNA’s highest priorities. Through the One Downtown Public Safety Task Force, we continue working with residents, businesses, institutions, law enforcement, service providers, and city and state partners on both immediate interventions and longer-term solutions.
Our 2026 Downtown Boston Public Safety Survey received 391 responses and found that 56% of respondents feel less safe Downtown and on Boston Common than they did at the beginning of the year, while 90% rated public safety a 7–10 in urgency. For residents, who experience the neighborhood at all hours and across all days of the week, these day-to-day conditions carry particular significance.
The survey complements crime statistics with the lived experiences and priorities of the Downtown community and helps inform DBNA’s continued work with public-sector and community partners.
Downtown Boston by the Numbers
Downtown Boston Residents
15,750+
estimated population as of 2025
Downtown Jobs
180,000+
~25% of Boston payroll jobs
Downtown Residential Units
7,376
residential housing units
Source: City of Boston Planning Department, 2025 Downtown Neighborhood Profile
What We’re Working On
Public
Safety
Working with residents, law enforcement, public officials, businesses, service providers, and institutions to improve public safety and quality of life.
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Planning +
Development
Engaging in planning, zoning and development decisions shaping Downtown Boston's future.
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Streets + Public Realm
Advocating for accessible, safe, and well-maintained streets, sidewalks, areaways, parks, and public spaces.
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Latest from DBNA
The latest news, advocacy, neighborhood updates, and media coverage from DBNA.
Around Downtown
People, places, projects, and moments from the neighborhood we call home.
