
Henry Santana
Boston City Councilor At-Large
Community Connections
Hyde Park Coffee Hours with Mayor Wu
A drizzly morning on Thursday resulted in a shift of venue at the Hyde Park Coffee hour with Mayor Wu. Shoutout to Katie Jones for all her work through Boston Housing Authority doing constituent services! It was great to engage with Hyde Park community members and discuss local issues.
2024 Legacy Business Awardees Reception
Congratulations to the 30 Legacy Business Award recipients! At Wednesday’s reception, we heard inspiring words from Chief Segun Idowu and Small Business Director Aliesha Porcena. Chosen from over 1,500 nominations, these outstanding businesses embody 1,281 years of service and showcase the rich diversity of Boston’s neighborhoods and industries.
2024 Pride Flag Raising at City Hall
We were thrilled to join our LGBTQIA+ community members and elected officials for today’s Pride Flag Raising event at City Hall! We had the privilege of hearing from LGBTQIA+ organizations across Boston, elected officials Liz Breadon and John Moran and JP’s Honk Band added a wonderful touch with their performance.
2024 Dorchester Parade
We had an awesome time being part of the 2024 Dorchester Parade and celebrating Dorchester’s vibrant community. Huge shout-out to all the neighbors and businesses who showed up and made the parade unforgettable! It really showcased the amazing spirit and unity that make Dorchester so special.
South Boston Coffee Hours with Mayor Wu
Spent a sunny morning at Medal of Honor Park in Southie for Mayor Wu’s Coffee Hours. Congratulations to Belkis Diaz for winning the raffle! It’s always a pleasure to connect with neighborhoods and have meaningful conversations with residents about their community’s unique needs.
32BJ SEIU Demonstration
Stood alongside members of 32BJ SEIU today as they pushed for fair wages, benefits and working conditions at the Sudbury. Boston is a union town, and we always support the right for workers to organize for livable wages and fair benefits!
2024 Boston Public Schools Valedictorians Lucheon
This year we have the privilege of celebrating the academic achievements of 32 incredible young people at the 25th annual Boston Public Schools Valedictorian Luncheon at Fenway Park.
East Boston Coffee Hours with Mayor Wu
Spent the morning in East Boston engaging with residents and neighbors at the Mayor’s Coffee Hour! Thanks to the students from Curtis Guild Elementary School for their assistance during the Q&A, and a special shoutout to Matthew for reading one of the Mayor’s questions!
Orient Heights Neighborhood Council Meeting
We attended the Orient Heights Neighborhood Council meeting and discussed community concerns about tree roots damaging sidewalks, citywide ADUs, scooters on sidewalks, and pedestrian safety.
2024 Summer Safety Plan
We joined Mayor Wu and the Community Safety Team in the announcement of the 2024 annual Summer Safety Plan to ensure all Bostonians, especially youth, have access to essential summer resources, events, and programs.
As Chair of the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee, we’re looking forward to a safe and fun summer 2024.
Excel High School Student Tour of City Hall
Together with Councilors Flynn and Murphy, we had a productive discussion with students from Excel High School about various quality of life issues related to their education and explored ways in which the City Council can help improve their learning environment and overall experience.
Policy Roundtable with The Queer Neighborhood Council
We joined The Queer Neighborhood Council for a Policy Roundtable covering legislative and budget priorities our office and the City Council are working on. Housing was a cornerstone of discussion but the evening also featured questions around community spaces for Queer youth, advocating for a shelter for unhoused trans youth, and discrimination the LGBTQIA+ community face on public transportation.
28th Annual Mother’s Day Walk with Louis D Brown Peace Institute
We joined with Louis D Brown Peace Institute for their 28th Annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace at Town Field Park in Dorchester. Embracing the theme of cultivating cycles of peace, we stood in solidarity with families and communities affected by violence.
Catie’s Closet Site Visit: Mildred Pierce K-8 School
Visited Catie’s Closet at Mildred Ave K-8 with Councilor Pepén today. Their program converts unused school spaces into safe shopping areas where students can access clothing, toiletries, and more for free. They also assist children transitioning between living conditions.
Mount Hope Canterbury Meeting
At the Mount Hope Canterbury Neighborhood Association, we connected with residents, fostering productive dialogue and staying tuned in to Boston’s diverse communities.
Mayor’s Coffee Hours: Jamaica Plain
Yesterday, we had a wonderful time connecting with the Jamaica Plain community at Mozart Park. The gorgeous weather was a bonus, and we were treated to a delightful serenade by JP’s talented young musicians.
Belle Isle Marsh Community Meeting
Last night, we participated in the Belle Isle Marsh community meeting. As the last natural salt marsh in Boston, Belle Isle Marsh plays a vital role as a buffer against climate change impacts. Monthly meetings focus on protecting marshlands, improving accessibility, and fortifying the community against flooding. We must continue to protect Boston’s natural ecosystems for future generations.
Mayor’s Coffee Hours: South End
Started Monday off at Peter’s Park in the South End at Mayor Wu’s Coffee Hours. These coffee hour connections provide an opportunity to delve into meaningful conversations about the unique needs of every corner of Boston. Looking forward to the next one!
Polish Flag Raising at City Hall
Today, Councilors Fitzgerald and Murphy organized a Polish Flag raising ceremony outside city hall to honor this historic event.
Polish Constitution Day is celebrated on May 3rd each year and commemorates the signing of the Constitution of 3 May 1791.
Unite Here Local 26 Hotel Workers Strike
Yesterday was momentous. Not only did we file the Ordinance for Safe & Healthy hotels but we stood alongside Boston’s hardworking and dedicated hotel workers as they fight for fair wages and to feel safe in their workplace.
To our hospitality workers, we see you and we stand with you.