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Boston City Council District 1 race: Gabriela Coletta Zapata
"I believe in the power of local government because I’ve seen its impact up close."
Gabriela Coletta Zapata has represented District 1 since joining the City Council in 2022.
Andretti McDuffie-Stanziani will appear on the ballot, although he is not running for a council seat.
Find out more about Gabriela Coletta Zapata on her website and social media.
The following responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
What is the biggest issue facing District 1 residents at the moment and what do you believe the City Council should do to address this?
The biggest challenge facing District 1 is ensuring that growth and opportunity in our neighborhoods remain inclusive, equitable, and affordable for everyone who calls this district home. Rents are too high, homeownership feels out of reach, and too many families are being pushed out of the communities that raised them.
Over the past three years, we’ve expanded affordable homeownership, funded more housing vouchers, and saved 114 units in East Boston from speculation which kept hundreds of neighbors in their homes. But the work isn’t finished. I’ll continue pushing for innovative housing solutions that build for the inclusion of all families while strengthening community voices in every stage of development.
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I believe in the power of local government because I’ve seen its impact up close. When we repair a sidewalk, help a small business navigate permitting, or connect a family to housing assistance, people feel that City Hall sees them. That’s the kind of government I strive to lead: one that listens, acts with empathy, and builds a city that’s livable for everyone.
What makes you stand out as a candidate?
I wake up every day loving this job because it’s about people. Representing the district that raised me has been the honor and privilege of my life. It’s been the resident’s voices, ideas, and love of community that fuel my fire and keep me grounded in the work.
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I’ve delivered tangible results that improve daily life from restoring Charlestown’s Clougherty Pool, to preserving artist spaces, to launching programs that expand food access and economic opportunity. As Chair of the Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks Committee, I helped establish Boston’s first-ever Office of Climate Resilience which is a major milestone to protect our 47 miles of coastline and thousands of families from flooding.
I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve built with residents, the Mayor’s Office, and local leaders to make City Hall work better for everyone. My approach is rooted in accessibility, collaboration, and compassion. Real progress happens when we listen, organize, and deliver results together.
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 understand why some residents may feel frustrated, but I’ve also seen the incredible impact local government can have when it’s transparent, responsive, and accountable. Restoring trust starts with showing up every single day in service to the people we represent.
That’s why I host budget town halls, neighborhood walkthroughs, and listening tours to ensure residents’ voices shape policy and decisions. When people see their feedback lead to cleaner streets, repaired sidewalks, and more affordable housing, they regain confidence that their local government works for them.
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I’m running for re-election because I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, but I know our work isn’t finished. Together, we can continue building a City Council that reflects the best of our city and one that leads with integrity, empathy, and action.
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