We must defend our air, water, and lands from toxic polluters and climate disruption. Low-income communities and communities of color have been (and continue to be) disproportionately exposed to and impacted by environmental racism. Our economic system, divestment from public transit, and how we build our cities undermine the planet’s life support systems and make us, our families, and our neighbors sick. Environmental justice means building a just economy, safe and accessible public transit, and environmental regulation that keeps Boston’s most vulnerable communities healthy and at the center of decision-making. I commit to bringing an intersectional climate justice approach to undertake a just transition toward a regenerative and healthy city for our sake and that of future generations.

  • Municipal Composting Program

    Along with Councilors Bok and Baker, I secured federal COVID recovery funds to create municipal composting infrastructure, making Boston a more sustainable city while preventing future reliance on expensive waste management contracts. $2,500,000 was allocated to “Municipal infrastructure for food waste disposal” in the City of Boston. Currently, the city is searching for land to acquire, permit and develop into a processing facility. Building municipally-owned composting facilities will advance Boston’s Climate and Zero Waste goals and allow for increased access to good-paying jobs in the green economy.

  • Accelerated Decarbonization

    In partnership with the Administration, I advocated for participation in the State-sponsored Fossil Fuel Free Building trial program, which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Boston and regionally. We continue to move this work forward and closer to my commitment to implementing one of the first labor-endorsed all-electric ordinances in the country.

  • Supported a Green Jobs Initiative

    On the leadership of Councilor Bok, The Administration created a City-level conservation corps in the City of Boston. The City-level conservation corps will train and employ Boston residents in sustainable practices for creating a climate-ready Boston. The first cohort of PowerCorps Boston has graduated and is getting to work!

  • Experimented with Car-Free Streets

    Jamaica Plain held our first Open Streets festival on July 10th, thanks to the leadership of Jascha Franklin-Hodge, our Chief of Streets, and the Administration. Centre Street was closed to cars and opened to pedestrians while a host of creative activities filled the space. Residents were seen cycling, rollerblading, dancing to music, playing board games, blowing bubbles, decorating the street with chalk, and celebrating together—a taste of what is possible when we make streets for people. An expanded version of Open Streets will return this summer.

  • Increased Traffic Calming Measures

    President Flynn and I filed a resolution recognizing the public health crisis related to traffic safety and injuries in the City of Boston and calling on the City to implement proper safety measures. This resolution is the foundation for our office's upcoming street safety legislative work in 2023.