CONTACT
email: kbennett@vivaconsult.com
EDUCATION
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
(Master in City Planning 1995).
Lesley College, Cambridge, MA
(Bachelor of Science 1991).
Coursework at University of Michigan (1978-80) and
Boston Architectural Center (1982-84).
“Work for the things you care about”.
Kate Bennett has worked in affordable housing development, policy and planning for more than 30 years, with a particular focus on public housing and neighborhood revitalization. Kate recently joined VIVA and will be focused upon housing development and strategic planning consulting. She is also a Visiting Professional at the Corcoran Center for Real Estate and Urban Action at Boston College.
Kate stepped down as Administrator and CEO of the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) in 2023, where she worked for over 25 years. She oversaw public housing and voucher programs that provide affordable housing for over 25,000 households in and around the City of Boston. In her tenure at BHA, she was instrumental in implementing several strategic initiatives, including more than $2 billion in redevelopment and capital upgrades; the creation of an asset management division to ensure long-term preservation of deeply affordable units; development of the BHA’s green, healthy housing and sustainability programs; and expansion of resident empowerment and self-sufficiency initiatives.
Kate offers deep public sector, organizational, affordable housing and community development experience to help housing authorities, owners and community-based organizations achieve their goals efficiently and cost-effectively.
Prior to coming to the BHA, Kate managed housing programs for the City of Chelsea and the City of Newton. She holds a Masters in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Assist the Chelsea Housing Authority with strategic planning and developer procurement for the redevelopment of an 118-unit public housing development. Assist in development of CHA’s strategic goals for the project, advise on developer deal terms, draft developer Request for Proposals, and ensure compliance with MGL 30B procurement laws. Provide ongoing support and guidance for the pre-development process. Prattville Fitzgerald Redevelopment, Chelsea Housing Authority
As chief executive, lead the visioning and implementation of the transformation of the City’s oldest public housing development from a 1000-unit deteriorated site to a vibrant 3300-unit mixed-income development. Develop key development goals and parameters in collaboration with residents and other stakeholders; ensure long-term economic returns to allow the Authority to continue successful operations; ensure that RFPs and deal documents reflect BHA priorities; guide staff and partners through all pre-development activities (including feasibility analysis, financing, permitting, design, and community engagement) to ensure the successful implementation of this $4 billion project. Mary Ellen McCormack Redevelopment, Boston Housing Authority
Lead the planning for the redevelopment of an 800-unit site in Jamaica Plain, which will include both new construction, mixed-income housing, and green renovation of some existing buildings. Oversee master-planning for the site, developer procurement, community engagement and resident services/self-sufficiency initiatives. Work closely with local, state and federal agencies to secure significant funding for the project. Mildred C. Hailey Redevelopment, Boston Housing Authority
Strategic Re-Organization to Transform Housing Service Delivery. Spearhead a new approach to long-standing maintenance issues at BHA properties which resulted in the most significant work order reduction in decades, along with vastly improved customer service. Install a quality control team and new technologies to track and maintain progress. Boston Housing Authority
VIVA Consulting, Newton, MA
Principal, 2025 – present
Consult on housing and community development initiatives. Services include policy development, strategic planning, public housing revitalization and affordable housing development. Clients include the Chelsea Housing Authority, assisting with planning and implementation for the redevelopment of 118 unit public housing site into an 800+ unit mixed income community.
Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
Adjunct Faculty, Corcoran Center for Real Estate and Urban Action, 2024-present
Teach Community Development and Place Making, a course to explore equitable and sustainable urban development. Initiate programming at the College to encourage students to consider careers in affordable housing, urban planning and real estate.
Boston Housing Authority, Boston, MA
Administrator and CEO, 2019-2023
Prior positions 1998-2018 include Senior Deputy Administrator, Deputy Administrator, and Director of Planning and Real Estate Development.
- Executive Leadership: Led 800-employee public agency providing housing and voucher programs to over 27,000 low-income households in and around the City of Boston. Served on the Mayor’s Cabinet; responsible for executive interface with federal, state, City, non-profit and private partners.
- Housing and Community Development: Led the operation of a 10,000-unit portfolio of low-income housing, including all aspects of property management, legal and regulatory compliance, financial stability and quality of life. Directed the redevelopment of properties within the Agency’s portfolio to preserve affordable housing opportunities. Oversaw over $2 billion in mixed-finance redevelopment including four Hope VI Revitalization grants and one Choice Neighborhoods grant. Managed staff involved in all aspects of development process, including feasibility analysis, financing, permitting, design and construction, property management, and resident services.
- Planning and Policy: Directed strategic re-organizations, policy and program development, and fundraising in order to streamline operations, improve quality of life and modernize housing services. Led several grant partnerships for BHA with universities, residents, City agencies, and local non-profits.
- Economic Mobility and Resident Empowerment: Established the Resident Empowerment Coalition to raise the level of resident input into BHA operations and improve quality of life at the sites. Leveraged partnerships to increase financial literacy, computer skills, and create career pathways.
Prior Experience:
Senior Planner at the City of Newton Planning and Development Department (1996-1998) and Housing Specialist at the City of Chelsea (1994-1996).
Boston Planning and Development Agency
Board Member since 2023, Treasurer since 2024
Tenacity Inc.
Board member since 2024
Corcoran Center for Real Estate and Urban Action, Boston College
Advisory Board member since 2025
Past Involvement and Awards:
City of Boston Community Preservation Act Board of Commissioners
Mass General Hospital Community Advisory Board
REBUILD America’s Energy Champion Award in Affordable Housing
HUD Healthy Homes Award
Certified by the Massachusetts Chapter of NAHRO in Public Housing Administration
Numerous presentations at conferences on Affordable Housing, Healthy and Green Housing, including the Council for Large Public Housing Authorities, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, the Boston Society of Architects, U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, the American Public Health Association, and the U.S Department of Energy.