Domingos DaRosa Policy Q&A

Born in Cabo Verde (Cape Verde Islands) and raised throughout Boston’s diverse neighborhoods, Domingos DaRosa has dedicated over two decades to serving our city with unwavering commitment. As a respected 23-year veteran of Boston’s Centers for Youth and Families, President of the Boston Bengals Pop Warner Football Program, co-founder of the South End-Roxbury Community Partnership, and small business owner, Domingos brings proven leadership that’s grounded in real community experience. With an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology and experience on the Concord-Carlisle Regional School Committee representing METCO students, and Former President of SEIU Local 888/BCYF Chapter, he combines practical knowledge with a vision for a more equitable Boston.

 

DaRosa’s campaign platform focuses on several key priorities: education, public safety and mental health services, affordable housing solutions, youth empowerment and employment access, worker protections, small business economic opportunities, and green space and environmental justice.

 

Boston stands at a crossroads-between deepening inequality and the chance to build a city rooted in equality, inclusion, and justice. As mayor, I will govern in partnership with communities, not in isolation. Changes must be driven by those most impacted. I invite all Bostonians to help shape a city where everyone belongs and thrives.

Humanity! This includes education, economics, public safety, housing, infrastructure, and health care.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE ROLE OF THE CITY COUNCIL?

• To connect residents to city resources.
• Address matters and concerns residents face.
• Keep constituents informed on current changes within the city.
• Advocate for basic human rights.

 

WHO DO YOU ACCEPT AND REJECT CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS FROM?

• We only accept contributions from family, friends and community members.
• We won’t accept money from for-profit developers, fossil fuel executives, charter school lobbyists, or police unions.

 

HOW WOULD YOU ENGAGE ALL THE DIVERSE COMMUNITIES IN POLICYMAKING?

• Have public hearings and meetings at reasonable, accessible times, locations and dates.
• Utilize all forms of communication in various languages with consistent, regular intervals with a focus on historically marginalized and ignored communities.
• Promote, market, and advertise in local newspapers, and mainstream media.

 

HOW HAVE YOU ENCOURAGED YOUTH ENGAGEMENT?

• Engaged, recruited, trained, and encouraged youth by including them in signature collection, phone banking, canvassing, policy discussions, voter registration drives, and forums.
• Created a youth group for 16 to 25-year-olds to ensure their views and opinions are included in this campaign.

 

WHAT ASPECT OF COMMUNITY PROCESS SHOULD BE IMPROVED AND WHY?

• We need more community engagement in decision-making, especially in neighborhoods that have historically been marginalized or underrepresented. Often, critical decisions without fully hearing the concerns of residents most affected. This leads to mistrust and policies that don’t reflect the community’s true needs.
• The time and locations for conducting community engagement also plays a key role.
• I would prioritize creating more accessible, inclusive and transparent engagement opportunities- like multilingual forums, neighborhood advisory councils, and stronger partnership with local organizations. By actively listening and involving residents early and often, we build trust and craft solutions that truly serve Boston’s diverse communities. Residents' voices come first!

 

HOW WILL YOU PREPARE THE CITY FOR A LARGE REDUCTION IN FEDERAL FUNDING?

• Launch a comprehensive budget audit review to identify inefficiencies in budget allocation and prioritize core programs that directly impact residents’ quality of life.
• Aggressively pursue diversification of revenue sources, including expanding partnership with private sector, philanthropic organizations, and leveraging local economic development to grow the tax base responsibly.
• Strengthen collaboration across city departments to streamline services and reduce duplication.
• Engage community stakeholders in a transparent, accountable budgetary review process and prioritizing where resources go. We can navigate federal funding cuts without sacrificing the progress and support Boston families depend on.

 

HOW MUCH FUNDING SHOULD THE CITY ALLOCATE TO PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING?  (NOTE:  $2 million was appropriated for this fiscal year.)

I support significantly increasing funding for participatory budgeting, with a

goal of reaching at least $40 million, as advocated by the Better Budget

Alliance. Participatory budgeting empowers residents to decide how taxpayer

funds are spent and builds civic engagement and trust in government.

 

HOW WILL YOU WORK TO EXPAND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, DEFINE COMMUNITY BENEFITS, AND CREATE A FAIRER SYSTEM TO MEET RESIDENTS’ NEEDS?

• I will push for a more transparent and enforceable PILOT system, ensuring that large institutions like hospitals, colleges, and universities meet their full commitments.
• I support trying PILOT contributions to community-defined benefits like low-income housing, youth programs, elderly and veteran services, and climate resilience.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT THE CITY OF BOSTON’S HOME RULE PETITION TO SHIFT SOME OF THE TAX BURDEN AWAY FROM RESIDENTIAL OWNERS TO COMMERCIAL OWNERS TO MITIGATE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX SPIKES?

YES. This approach is a prudent and balanced response to the challenges posed by declining commercial property values, which have led to increased tax burdens on homeowners. This shift is needed to protect working-class homeowners and tenants from rising costs. Large commercial property owners can and should contribute more equitably.

 

BOSTON IS LIMITED IN ITS TAXING POWER DUE TO STATE LAW. WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR THE CITY TO RAISE REVENUE?

• Add admission taxes on attractions like museums, concerts, and other tourist areas like Faneuil Hall, Government Center, and Boston Common. Negotiate with Boston’s institutions and event planners on the percentage.
• Non-residents who use city resources but don't pay local income and property taxes will be the ones charged a fee.

 

HOW WILL YOU ENSURE THAT BOSTON’S INVESTMENTS ALIGN WITH THE VALUES OF THE CITY?

• Ensure that our city’s investments fully reflect our commitment to social justice, sustainability, and ethical governance.
• Establish a clear, binding policy to prohibit investments in companies or countries profiting from war, human rights abuses or environmental destruction.
• Require positive screening to invest in businesses advancing social equity, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
• Mandate quarterly public disclosure of all city investments, and procurement contracts through an accessible online platform.
• Publish clear reports on how our investments align with our ethical standards and the social impact they generate.
• Establish a citizen investment ethics committee composed of experts in human rights, finance, environmental justice, and community leaders to review investment decisions, monitor compliance with ethical guidelines, and advise the mayor.
• Embed human rights and environmental criteria into all city contracts, with clear consequences for violations.
• Require vendors to demonstrate compliance with labor rights, anti-corruption laws, and ethical business practices.
• Host regular public forums where residents can learn about investment decisions, offer feedback, and propose priorities.
• Create an online portal for continuous community input and transparency.
• Collaborate with other cities and institutions to increase pressure on companies and countries that violate human rights or fuel conflict.

By institutionalizing these measures, Boston will safeguard the integrity of our financial power to advance justice, peace, and sustainability-ensuring every dollar reflects our city’s highest values.

 

WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVING THE BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS?

• Address achievement gaps through equitable funding, expanding mental health support, increase school nurses, hire, develop, and retain more educators of color
• Invest in multilingual and inclusive education.
• Upgrade school facilities (such as repairing pools to teach swimming and lifesaving including CPR and first aid).
• Provide drinkable water and safer buildings.
• Create a pipeline for Madison Park Voc. Tech High School by introducing trades to our youngest students in elementary school level.
• Introduce a 7am-7pm school schedule with a before and afternoon programs by consolidating BPS and BCYF to provide students with extracurricular activities such as swimming lessons, sports teams, computer classes, art, music and more.
• Ensure all students have access to vocational training, STEM, colleges and universities, and a career pathway.
• Retool all schools to levels of exam schools to eliminate the need to change the admission quotas to the exam schools.
• Create student and parent advisory boards at schools.
• Reintroduce Civics, financial literacy, home economics, wood shop and more.
• Have retired teachers come to the schools on a part-time basis to support teaching and learning.

 

DO YOU OPPOSE THE EXPANSION OF CHARTER SCHOOLS IN BOSTON?

YES. Charter school expansion drains resources from public schools. I support

strengthening BPS and ensuring all families have access to high-quality

neighborhood schools.

 

 

IN 2022, THE DEPT. OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY CONSIDERED A TAKEOVER OF THE BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS. DO YOU OPPOSE EFFORTS AT A STATE TAKEOVER?

YES. Local communities, not the state, should govern our public schools. State

takeovers lack accountability and ignore the voices of students, parents, and educators.

 

BOSTON VOTERS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTED A 2021 BALLOT QUESTION TO RETURN TO AN ELECTED SCHOOL COMMITTEE. DO YOU SUPPORT THIS?

YES.

• I propose an 11-member committee with 9 districts and 2 at-large to ensure every Boston neighborhood has a voice while preserving a citywide perspective. Members would serve 4-year staggered terms. Candidates would be required to demonstrate a strong commitment to education and community engagement to ensure we elect candidates with the experiences and dedication our schools deserve.
• We must invest in civic education and outreach to ensure all Boston voters-especially those in historically underrepresented communities-are informed and empowered to participate.
• By returning to a fully elected school committee, we strengthen democracy and establish a clear path for improving our schools.

 

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE WHITE STADIUM PROJECT?

• I strongly disagree with the way the project has been managed by the city.
• It is a disservice to BPS students (as most of our high schools have their only athletic facilities at the school facilities, but many athletic programs have lost participants to the point that Madison Park, East Boston, South Boston and a few others have no football programs).
• Our children should NOT be used as bargaining chips!!!!  The stadium was built for Boston’s students and families to enjoy our student athletes, and not to enrich private corporations!
• My position is to oppose privatization of public resources and ensure any use of White stadium centers student’s needs and community control.
• Public funds and spaces should be prioritized by public school students, not be used for private profit or exclusive partnerships.

 

ARE YOU COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING POLICE-FREE SCHOOLS?

YES. I support keeping police out of our school and investing instead in counselors, restorative justice practices, and trauma-informed staff. Safety comes from support, not surveillance!

 

DO YOU SUPPORT BOSTON’S TRUST ACT?

YES.

• The Trust Act builds trust between immigrant communities and local authorities.
• The Trust Act ensures regular conversation with federal agencies to address concerns and ensure public safety remains a top priority.
• Community education and outreach programs are important to inform immigrant communities regarding their rights and the protections afforded by the Trust Act.
• I support monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of the Trust Act on community safety and adjusting it as necessary.
• The Trust Act does NOT prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities on criminal investigation or serious public safety issues, such as human trafficking or violent crimes.
• I would strengthen local policies, protocols, and set clear guidelines prohibiting sharing of information.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT ENDING BOSTON’S ENGAGEMENT IN THE BOSTON REGIONAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER?

YES. BRIC operates with little oversight and has been used to surveil communities of color and political activists. We need public safety strategies rooted in accountability and community trust.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT CREATING AN UNARMED, COMMUNITY-BASED EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM, SEPARATE FROM THE POLICE DEPT. TO RESPOND TO MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISES?

YES. Mental health crises should be treated as public health issues, not criminal

Matters. I support expanding programs like BEST (Boston Emergency Services Team) and creating a new city-wide alternative response system.

 

WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO COMBAT WHITE SUPREMACIST AFFILIATIONS OR SYMPATHIES IN THE BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT?

I will mandate comprehensive background checks, implement anti-bias

training and establish an independent civilian oversight board with the power

to investigate and remove officers affiliated with hate groups. Zero tolerance

for extremism in public service.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT THE LEGALIZATION OF OVERDOSE PREVENTION CENTERS?

NO.

• These centers normalize or even encourage drug use rather than discourage usage.
• There are fears that such centers could attract more drug activity and related crime to the surrounding neighborhood. Questions arise about the legal framework, liability, and illegal drug use.
• Critics argue that funds used for these centers could be better spent on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Expanded treatment programs increase access to medication-assisted treatment like methadone and buprenorphine, which help reduce dependence safely.
• Prevention / education campaigns educate people on the risks of opioid use.
• Targeting drug trafficking networks and providing resources for law enforcement to focus on supply reduction.
• Widespread distribution of naloxone kits and training will save lives.

 

HOW DO YOU EVALUATE THE CITY’S RESPONSE TO THE HUMANITARIAN SITUATION AT MASS AND CASS?

The city’s response has lacked long-term, coordinated strategies.

• We must expand long-term treatment and low-threshold housing capacity statewide aiming for 1000 units to meet the growing demand. Not having enough delays transitioning individuals out of encampments.
• We need to expand mental health care and coordinated case management.
• We must treat every person with dignity and compassion.
• Displacement issues have forced individuals into more precarious living situations.
• The discontinuation of certain harm reduction programs like the needle exchange services, has led to increased health risks among the user population, and discarded needles across Boston.
• We as a city must rehab Long Island. It is a key resource to managing this humanitarian crisis. We can NOT allow the open drug use and market to continue to grow across Boston’s neighborhoods.
• Reintroduce and expand harm reduction programs to ensure individuals have access to necessary services.
• Involve users and unhoused individuals in the planning and implementation of solutions to ensure their needs are met effectively.
• Continue to utilize data dashboards to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• A more compassionate and comprehensive approach, will better support our most vulnerable residents and work towards a more equitable and human response to substance use and homelessness in Boston.

 

HOW WOULD YOU REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE IN THE CITY?

Reducing gun violence in Boston requires a multi-faceted, community-centered approach.

• Invest in the city of Boston youth programs and community-based organizations that work directly with at-risk youth and their families.
• Provide year-round jobs and training, mentorships, conflict resolution, school sports, arts, music, and educational opportunities.
• Address the underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to violence.
• Use data-driven, targeted policing strategies to identify and intervene with individuals most likely to commit or be victims of gun violence.
•  Strengthen partnerships between police, social workers, youth workers, and community leaders to ensure interventions are supportive and not purely punitive.
• Advocate for stronger gun laws, including enhanced background checks, safe storage laws, restrictions on illegal firearms, and teach gun safety.
• Expand access to mental health and substance abuse treatment to address factors that often contribute to violence.
• Integrate social workers and youth workers with law enforcement to provide comprehensive support to individuals and families affected by gun violence.
• Maintain transparent data on gun violence incidents to guide policy decisions and measure progress. Engage the community regularly on outcomes and strategy. This approach combines prevention, enforcement, and support to reduce gun violence sustainably while fostering trust and collaboration with the community.

 

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 POLICIES FOR MAKING BOSTON A CLIMATE- RESILIENT CITY AND HOW WOULD YOU ENSURE THAT EQUITY IS AT THE CENTER OF SUCH EFFORTS?

• Expand green infrastructure in vulnerable neighborhoods.
• Invest in affordable, energy-efficient housing.
• Create climate jobs for city residents.
• Equity must be central by prioritizing resources for low-income communities most impacted by climate change and environmental injustice.

 

HOW WOULD YOU REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON CARS AND FACILITATE THE ABILTIY OF BOSTONIANS TO SAFELY GET AROUND BY WALKING, BIKING OR PUBLIC TRANSIT?

I support fare-free public transit, protecting bike lanes, improving pedestrian infrastructure, repaving streets, traffic enforcement and cameras. All investments must center around accessibility and input from community members.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT THE CITY’S ZONING CODE UPDATE REQUIRING NEW BUILDINGS TO ACHIEVE NET ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS STANDARDS?

YES. Every new building must be part of the solution to climate change. I support green building codes and incentives for renewable energy use and electrification in construction.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT EXPANDING THE FARE-FREE BUS PILOTS AND MAKING FARE-FREE BUSES PERMANENT?

YES. Fare-free buses increase access to transit, reduce traffic congestion and lower emissions. They support working families and reduce racial and economic disparities in transportation access.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT THE EXPANSION OF THE NETWORK OF PERMANENT PROTECTED BIKE LANES?

YES. I support permanent bike lanes on roads that are major arteries with the

capacity for safe installation and usage.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT EXPANDING RENEWABLE ENERGY CONTENT IN THE BOSTON COMMUNITY CHOICE ELECTRICITY (BCCE) PROGRAM?

YES. Boston must lead on climate action. Expanding renewable energy through

BCCE helps lower emissions and utility bills while creating green jobs and

improving public health.

 

HOW WOULD YOU EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND ENSURE DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT DISPLACEMENT?

• Prioritize affordable housing on city-owned land.
• Expand funding for low-income housing.
• Strengthen anti-displacement tools like rent stabilization and tenant protections.
• Community engagement must be central to development decisions to ensure residents are NOT pushed out of their neighborhoods.

 

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR LEVERAGING CITY-OWNED LAND TO EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING?

• Repurpose underutilized city-owned lots - especially near transit - for deeply affordable housing developments.
• Partnership with non-profit and community land trust to ensure long-term affordability and community stewardship.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT THE HOME RULE PETITION TO ESTABLISH A SMALL TRANSFER FEE ON REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS OVER $2 MILLION?

YES. This fee would generate critical funding for affordable housing without

burdening working families. I will advocate for it at the State House.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT RENT STABILIZATION, I.E. LIMITING THE AMOUNT THAT LANDLORDS CAN INCREASE RENT FOR TENANTS YEAR TO YEAR?

YES.

• Boston needs tools to keep rent affordable and protect long-term residents. It is a strong start, but I believe we can go further-ensuring exemptions for small landlords while capping excessive increases and closing loopholes that lead to displacement.
• I would advocate by building coalitions working closely with city councilors, affordable housing advocates, and community organizations across Massachusetts to demonstrate broad support. Meet with the Massachusetts legislature, especially those on housing and revenue committees, to present data on Boston’s housing needs and the benefits of the transfer.
• Share examples from other cities that have implemented similar fees successfully, showing positive impacts on affordable housing funding.
• Emphasize that the fee targets luxury real estate transactions, ensuring that those with the greatest ability to pay contribute to the solution.
• Mobilize public support through media campaigns and town and city hearings to create constituent pressure on state lawmakers. Be ready to engage in constructive dialogue to address concerns and find workable solutions.

 

WOULD YOU SUPPORT A TENANT OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHANSE ORDINANCE, ENABLING TENANTS TO PURCHASE A BUILDING IF THE OWNER SEEKS TO PUT IT ON THE MARKET?

YES. TOPA policies empower tenants to stay in their homes and build community wealth. With financing tools and technical assistance Boston can lead on this model.

 

BOSTON RECENTLY UPDATED ITS INCLUSIONARY DEVELOPMENT POLICY (IDP) TO RAISE THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF INCOME-RESTRICTED UNITS IN NEW DEVELOPMENTS TO 20%. DO YOU SUPPORT THIS POLICY?

YES. This is a crucial step in addressing the city’s housing affordability crisis and

ensuring that economic diversity is integrated into our urban fabric.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT REQUIRING A MAJORITY OF NEW AFFORDABLE UNITS BE BUILT ON-SITE, IN ORDER TO ENSURE COMMUNITIES ARE DIVERSE AND INTEGRATED?

YES. Affordable housing should not be segregated. On-site requirements promote mixed-income communities, reduce concentration of poverty, and offer equal access to neighborhood resources.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT EXPANDING THE CITY’S CONDO CONVERSION ORDINANCE TO COVER BUILDINGS WITH 2-3 UNITS, ENSURING THAT MORE TENANTS CAN ACCESS PROTECTIONS AGAINST DISPLACEMENT?

YES. Currently, many smaller multi-unit buildings fall outside the ordinance’s

protections, leaving tenants vulnerable to sudden evictions or steep rent

increases when owners convert rentals into condos. Expanding coverage

ensures more tenants, especially those in low-incomes or vulnerable

communities, have access to legal safeguards.

 

MASSACHUSETTS PASSED LEGISLATION TO ENABLE RENTERS TO GET EVICTION RECORDS SEALED? HOW WILL YOU ENSURE RENTERS KNOW OF THIS NEW RIGHT?

• With community outreach and partnership we will make sure renters know

about their rights to seal eviction records.

• I would prioritize strong community outreach through partnership with tenant advocacy groups, legal aid organizations, and local nonprofits.

 

WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO EXPAND ACCESS TO SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, AND THOSE WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS?

I will prioritize a ‘housing first’ model by converting city-owned properties into

supportive housing units, increase funding for wraparound services including

case management, mental health care, and job training, and push for regional

collaboration to scale permanent supportive housing.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT THE CURRENT SQUARES & STREETS PROCESS?

YES. It is a good foundation for fostering walkable, transit-oriented

neighborhoods. One change I would make would be to ensure more meaningful

community participation and require racial equity impact assessments on

any zoning change or development approved through this process.

 

BOSTON RECENTLY ELIMINATED PARKING MINIMUMS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS. WOULD YOU SUPPORT ELIMINATING PARKING MINIMUMS FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS?

YES. Eliminating parking minimums helps lower housing costs, reduce car

dependency, and promotes sustainable development. Developers should

still provide parking where appropriate, but it should not be mandated by

outdated zoning rules.

 

WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE ROLE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS?

Community engagement should be foundational, not symbolic. I support

requiring early and ongoing consultation with residents, language access for

meeting, and prioritizing community-identified needs like affordable housing

or green space. While we must meet housing and climate goals, no major

development should proceed without community-informed benefit.

 

HOW CAN BOSTON INCREASE YOUTH/COLLEGE TURNOUT IN ELECTIONS?

• Expand on-campus early voting locations.
• Partner with high schools, colleges, and universities to implement civic education on the importance of local government.
• Making voting a cultural norm for young residents is key.
• Offer 16–17-year-olds the right to vote in municipal elections. They are impacted by local policy and deserve a voice. Lowering voting age will boost civic engagement and strengthen our democracy.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT RANKED CHOICE VOTING?

YES. Ranked choice voting leads to more representative outcomes,

reduces negative campaigning, and allows voters to express their

preference more fully. It is a great tool to select school committee members.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT MAKING HYBRID ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS PERMANENT?

YES. Hybrid access increases transparency and ensures people with disabilities

caregiving, responsibilities, or work obligations can participate in civic life.

 

HOW WILL YOU PROACTIVELY PROTECT CIVIL LIBERTIES?

• Publicly condemn attempts to punish political dissent, especially from students and immigrant communities.
• I support policies for international students to prohibit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement based on political activity, and protect the right to protest as a cornerstone of our democracy.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT A RIGHT TO MASK ORDINANCE TO PROTECT STUDENTS FROM DOXING FOR PARTICIPATING IN PEACEFUL PROTESTS?

YES. Everyone has the right to protest safely and anonymously. I support a local Right to Mask ordinance that upholds privacy, especially for those vulnerable to harassment, retaliation, or deportation.

 

WHAT ARE SOME ACCOMPLISHMENTS YOU’VE ACHIEVED TO ADVANCE RACIAL JUSTICE OR EQUITY?

• As a community activist committed to racial justice and equity, I am proud to advocate for recovery and transitional housing programs that prioritize underserved communities, including BIPOC, unhoused, substance use, and LGBTQ+. These initiatives were developed in collaboration with local organizers and have increased recovery and shelter access while centering dignity and cultural responsiveness.
• I led a citywide initiative to assist Boston’s youth to gain access to resources to college in historically underfunded neighborhoods by partnering with grassroots organizations. We provided guidance in and out of school to maintain the requirements to graduate high school and apply to college.

 

IF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITHHOLDS FUNDING TO PRESSURE THE CITY INTO COMPLYING WITH FEDERAL POLICIES THAT MAY BE CONTRARY TO THE VALUES OF PROGRESSIVE GOVERNANCE, HOW WILL YOU RESPOND?

• I would not compromise Boston’s values of inclusion, equity, and justice. We must never allow our commitment to sanctuary policies, environment justice, or LGBTQ+ protection to be undermined by partisan overreach.
• If confronted with threats to federal funding I would immediately collaborate with legal experts and other mayors across the country to file coordinated legal challenges against unconstitutional federal threats.
• To cushion the impact of potential funding loss, I would propose the creation of a locally-backed resilience fund supported by public-private partnerships and philanthropic organizations used to protect critical services like housing, public health, and education. I would engage Boston residents directly through community meetings, multilingual updates, and public campaigns ensuring transparency and to rally collective action. Our greatest strength is our community-when informed and unified, we are powerful defenders of our values.

 

WILL YOU FIGHT TO ENSURE THAT SHELTERS DON’T PREEMPTIVELY COMPLY WITH ANY TRANS-EXCLUSIVE FEDERAL DIRECTIVE?

YES. Every shelter must be a safe haven for all, including transgender and

gender-nonconforming individuals. I will defend inclusive policies and fund

shelter that affirm the dignity and identity of all residents.

 

WHAT STEPS DO YOU PROPOSE TO REDUCE BOSTON’S INCOME AND WEALTH INEQUALITY, ESPECIALLY THE RACIAL WEALTH GAP?

• Establish a city-run baby bonds program for children from low- income families.
• Expand affordable homeownership opportunities through community land trusts.
• Support worker cooperatives and minority owned businesses.
• Overhaul city contracting to ensure BIPOC-owned businesses get equitable access to public work.

 

WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO ACHIEVE GREATER DIVERSITY IN CITY CONTRACTING?

The city council should mandate race-and gender-conscious goals in procurement, increase transparency in contract awards, and fund technical assistance to minority-and women-owned businesses. I support creating a public dashboard to track spending equity by race and neighborhood.

 

DO YOU SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO PROTECT RESIDENTS FROM DISCRIMINATORY USE OF ALGORHYTHMS AND AI?

YES. AI systems can replicate and worsen existing biases. I support legislation requiring transparency, audits, and accountability in any algorithm used by the city, particularly in policing, housing, and hiring. Residents must be protected from automated discrimination.