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Boston City Council at-large race: Henry Santana
"I believe housing is a human right, and Boston should lead the nation in showing how cities can protect that right while continuing to flourish."
Henry Santana has served on the City Council since 2023 and is up for reelection to the Boston City Council as an at-large candidate.
Find out more about Henry Santana on his 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?
Right now, the biggest issue facing Boston residents is housing affordability and stability. Every day, I hear from families being priced out of their neighborhoods, seniors struggling to stay in their homes, and young people who can’t imagine affording to live in the city they grew up in. Planning for long-term equity is not some faraway ideal; it needs to happen yesterday for the homeowners of tomorrow. I championed the Housing Accelerator Fund, a $100 million investment in planning for long-term equity in Boston. I believe housing is a human right, and Boston should lead the nation in showing how cities can protect that right while continuing to flourish.
What makes you stand out from the other candidates in this race?
I stand out because I’ve lived the challenges that many Bostonians face. I came to this city as a kid from the Dominican Republic, raised in Mission Hill, and became one of the first in my family to graduate college. I’ve worked inside City Hall, not as a career politician, but as someone focused on civic engagement and community empowerment while communicating effectively with all members of the City Council, no matter their viewpoints or beliefs. I know that the characteristic that connects us all is our love for Boston. Even though I may not be Boston-born, my roots run deep throughout these neighborhoods and I will go to bat for every child who comes here looking for a community, just like the one I found in Boston.
Do you think the public has lost faith in the City Council in recent years? If so, what do you think should be done to improve the council’s public image?
I do believe there has been a disconnect between the City Council and the public. While on the campaign trail, many Boston residents expressed their concerns about the lack of transparency and genuine care for their neighborhoods. Boston residents deserve increased transparency in budgeting and decision-making because, realistically, every single dollar spent should be accounted for, and that information should be available to the public. The neighborhoods of Boston deserve their voices heard, not just during the election cycle, but every single day.
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