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Boston City Council at-large Race: Will Onuoha
"As your City Councilor, I will push for bold, people-first policies that protect our neighborhoods, prevent displacement, create workforce housing, and expand access to homeownership."
After 20 years working at City Hall, Will Onuoha is running for at at-large seat on the Boston City Council.
Find out more about Will Onuoha at his campaign website and on 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?
Housing Bostonians can afford.
Everyone deserves an affordable, stable place to call home. In Boston, a housing affordability crisis — marked by skyrocketing housing costs, gentrification, and displacement — threatens that fundamental right for too many residents. We need strong leadership to ensure Boston remains a city where everyone can live and thrive, not just the wealthy.
Our housing system is broken and requires immediate action.
I am a housing professional, having run the Office of Fair Housing & Civil Rights under Mayor Marty Walsh, serving as Commissioner of Housing at the Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD), and being engaged in the planning, housing, and development processes at City Hall for over 15 years. I have seen what works and what doesn’t, and I am ready to bring this experience to the City Council.
As your City Councilor, I will push for bold, people-first policies that protect our neighborhoods, prevent displacement, create workforce housing, and expand access to homeownership. Together, we can build a stronger Boston — one where housing access is not just a promise.
I will advocate for a comprehensive housing and community development agenda. My plan focuses on practical solutions to address community displacement, expand affordable housing, and strengthen our neighborhoods.
What makes you stand out from the other candidates in this race?
My experience and my independence sets me apart in this campaign. I am a lifelong Bostonian, experienced leader in government, and housing professional with a law degree and nearly two decades of experience running city departments, helping people, and solving problems for Boston’s residents. I have held key roles in four Boston mayoral administrations — Mayors Tom Menino, Marty Walsh, Kim Janey, and Michelle Wu — and will bring my extensive experience in government to make Boston better for everyone.
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My approach to government and governing comes from my lived experience growing up on Mission Hill in the 1980s during the Charles Stuart era. Coming from a large Nigerian family, it was horrific seeing what so many people in our community endured.
Seeing Boston at its best and worst has given me the perspective and approach to bring residents together for positive change. While many other City Councilors or candidates are solidly in the “Always Yes” or “Always No” camp, I will bring a much needed independent voice to the City Council — advocating for programs and priorities that are working and being a vocal critic of those that are coming up short.
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?
Recent scandal, corruption, absenteeism, and misguided priorities of the City Council have marred its reputation. It is deeply troubling and one of the major reasons why I am running.
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Boston is in a housing affordability crisis. Downtown commercial occupancy rates are dangerously low. The public health and public safety crisis at Mass. & Cass has worsened. And too many families are unable to send their children to a quality school close to home.
Meanwhile, the City Council is spending its time handing out resolutions at pop concerts, passing meaningless international proclamations, and blocking public votes on the crisis at Mass. & Cass. Bostonians deserve elected officials who spend their time (and your tax dollars) making Boston more livable, safe, and affordable.
As City Councilor, I will steer the council’s work back to city issues that affect Bostonians. I will also work to restore professionalism, civility, and an appreciation for varying viewpoints to get things done for our residents.
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