Boston, MA Focuses On Green Infrastructure

The City of Boston, MA now has two new senior government positions: Director of Green Infrastructure and Green New Deal Director.

Kate England has been named the Director of Green Infrastructure, where she will focus on the use of trees and other vegetation for stormwater management, urban heat island mitigation, and increasing ecological diversity. 

“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,” said England.

England’s position will also be responsible for incorporating green infrastructure into the city’’s project plans, regulations, and operations. A Green Infrastructure Working Group will be relaunched with the goals of ensuring a streamlined approach across departments, and developing a neighborhood-specific approach to green infrastructure implementation.

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

Oliver Sellers-Garcia is Boston’s first Green New Deal Director, where he will work with the Mayor and senior officials to support the implementation of Mayor Wu’s goals to make Boston “a Green New Deal city”.

“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.”

“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 centers justice and equity in our response to the climate crisis.”