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Boston City Council at-large Race: Alexandra Valdez
"As a mom, I understand what’s at stake for working families; as an immigrant, I know the power of opportunity and inclusion."
Alexandra Valdez is a candidate for an at-large seat on the Boston City Council. Valdez currently serves as director of Boston’s Office of Cultural Affairs.
Find out more about Alexandra Valdez on her campaign website and social media.
The following responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
What is the biggest issue facing Boston residents at the moment and what do you believe the City Council should do to address this?
The biggest issue facing Boston residents right now is housing. Every single day, we see families and individuals forced to leave the city they love because they can no longer afford to stay. That’s not just a housing issue, it’s a community crisis. When people are priced out, we lose teachers, nurses, city workers, and generations of families who make Boston the vibrant, diverse city it is.
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As elected officials, we need to get creative and act with urgency. We must build more housing across all income levels to address the supply and demand gap. At the same time, we should invest directly in pathways to homeownership that allow residents to co-purchase homes and create multi-generational living opportunities helping families build wealth and stability together.
And we can’t forget about protecting tenants. We need stronger tenant protections, rent stabilization tools, and support for first-time homebuyers. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in the city they call home.
What makes you stand out from the other candidates in this race?
What makes me stand out is my lived experience and my deep understanding of how Boston works because I’ve lived it, and I’ve helped make it work better for our communities. I bring a fresh perspective as a mother, an immigrant, and a public servant with over ten years of experience at City Hall. I’ve had the privilege of serving under three mayoral administrations, leading departments, managing budgets, and creating programs that have reached thousands of Bostonians across every neighborhood.
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My leadership is grounded in collaboration, compassion, and results. I’ve spent my career bringing people together to solve problems, not just talking about change, but making it happen. As a mom, I understand what’s at stake for working families; as an immigrant, I know the power of opportunity and inclusion. Those experiences shape my vision for a city where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
I’m running for City Council to continue that work to deliver solutions that make Boston more affordable, equitable, and connected for all.
Do you think the public has lost faith in the City Council in recent years? If so, what should be done to improve the council’s public image?
Yes, I believe many residents have lost some faith in the City Council, and it’s our responsibility to earn it back. We need to create a space where everyone feels welcome, heard, and seen.
Being a City Councilor is about service; it’s about honoring the trust that residents place in us to lead, listen, and make decisions that impact their lives every day.
To rebuild that trust, we need to strengthen communication, respect, and collaboration. That means being transparent, engaging communities directly, and making sure residents see how their voices shape decisions. It also means working together as a council even when we disagree with a shared goal of delivering results for the people of Boston.
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Throughout my career, I’ve built coalitions across city departments, community groups, and residents to get things done. I believe in bringing people to the table, finding common ground, and focusing on solutions. Good government starts with respect, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the people we serve.
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