Kate England

Photo: Kate England: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Boston appoints first director of green infrastructure

15 August 2022

by Sarah Wray

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has created two new senior positions in the city: Director of Green Infrastructure and Green New Deal Director.

The Boston Green New Deal was a key pillar of Wu’s mayoral campaign and she pledged to prioritise action on climate change with an emphasis on a green economy, equity and inclusion.

Kate England has been appointed to the inaugural green infrastructure role, which will focus on the use of trees and other vegetation for stormwater management, mitigating urban heat island effect, and increasing ecological diversity. She previously worked as a project coordinator for stormwater infrastructure at the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC).

“With rising temperatures and sea levels, we must accelerate green infrastructure throughout our neighbourhoods, from boosting trees and open space to improving water drainage through our sewer system,” said Wu.

England will be responsible for incorporating green infrastructure into Boston’s project plans, regulations, and operations.  She will relaunch a Green Infrastructure Working Group to ensure a streamlined approach across departments, and develop a neighbourhood-specific approach to green infrastructure implementation.

England commented: “Nature is better at stormwater management than we are. Boston has embraced a nature-based approach to stormwater management throughout its history and I look forward to helping make our city a national leader in this field.”

Green New Deal

Oliver Sellers-Garcia has been named as Boston’s first Green New Deal Director.

“In this moment of tremendous urgency and opportunity, Boston must lead on a city Green New Deal. From the health and safety of our residents, to jobs and economic opportunity, to the vibrancy and livability of our neighborhoods, climate action is the foundation for our brightest future,” said Wu.

“It took us a while to find a leader with the bold vision, detailed knowledge and focus on community to take up this charge.”

As a cabinet-level senior advisor, Sellers-Garcia will work closely with the Mayor and senior officials to drive through Wu’s goals to make Boston “a Green New Deal city”.

Sellers-Garcia has most recently been working as the Director of Resiliency and Equity at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, where he led a new programme to integrate resilient design, sustainability and social equity into infrastructure development. From 2014 to 2021, he was the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Environment in Somerville, Massachusetts.

“Partnering with Boston communities, advocates and my colleagues in the city, we will demonstrate that acting on climate also means making daily life more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable,” said Sellers-Garcia. “I am thrilled to be joining an administration that centres justice and equity in our response to the climate crisis.”

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