Map of City Council districts, Boston, Massachusetts (2016).[1]

This is a list of members of the Boston City Council, both past and present, serving the people of Boston, Massachusetts.[2]

Council member selection

Main article: Boston City Council

Since 1984, the council has consisted of 13 members; four members elected at-large and nine members elected by district. All 13 seats are contested every two years. The preliminary election and general election are held in September and November, respectively, of odd years with winners starting their terms in January of even years. For example; a preliminary election was held in September 2017 for the November 2017 general election, with elected council members starting their terms in January 2018.

Historically, the makeup of the council has changed multiple times. Since 1910:

Years Total size Seats
At-large Ward or District
1910–1925 9 9 0
1926–1951 22 0 22
1952–1983 9 9 0
1984–present 13 4 9

Council members by year

1822–1829

1830–1839

1840–1849

1850–1859

1860–1869

Newton Talbot; served as Alderman 1867[4]

1870–1879

1880–1889

1890–1899

1900–1909

1910–1919

1920–1929

In November 1924, Boston voters approved replacing the 9-person City Council (all elected at-large) with a 22-person City Council (elected by wards). The first such election was held in November 1925, for terms starting in January 1926.[7]

1930–1939

1940–1949

1950–1959

In November 1949, Boston voters approved changes to municipal elections, including replacing the 22-person City Council (elected by wards) with a 9-person City Council (all elected at-large). The first such election was held in November 1951, for terms starting in January 1952.[8]

1960–1969

1970–1979

1980–1989

Starting with the November 1983 election (for terms starting in January 1984) the City Council consists of four at-large members and nine district representatives.

Year At-large Districts
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1984–1985 Christopher A. Iannella Michael J. McCormack Albert Leo "Dapper" O'Neil Joseph M. Tierney Robert Travaglini James M. Kelly James E. Byrne Charles Yancey Thomas Menino Maura Hennigan Bruce Bolling David Scondras Brian J. McLaughlin
1986–1987 Christopher A. Iannella Michael J. McCormack Albert Leo O'Neil Joseph M. Tierney Robert Travaglini James M. Kelly James E. Byrne Charles Yancey Thomas Menino Maura Hennigan Bruce Bolling David Scondras Brian J. McLaughlin
1988–1989 Christopher A. Iannella Michael J. McCormack Albert Leo O'Neil Rosaria Salerno Robert Travaglini James M. Kelly James E. Byrne Charles Yancey Thomas Menino Maura Hennigan Bruce Bolling David Scondras Brian J. McLaughlin

1990–1999

Year At-large Districts
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1990–1991 Christopher A. Iannella Michael J. McCormack Albert Leo O'Neil Rosaria Salerno Robert Travaglini James M. Kelly James E. Byrne Charles Yancey Thomas Menino Maura Hennigan Bruce Bolling David Scondras Brian J. McLaughlin
1992–1993 Christopher A. Iannella† John A. Nucci Albert Leo O'Neil Rosaria Salerno Robert Travaglini James M. Kelly James E. Byrne Charles Yancey Thomas Menino Maura Hennigan Anthony Crayton David Scondras Brian J. McLaughlin
Bruce Bolling Albert Leo O'Neil Thomas Menino
1994–1995 Richard P. Iannella John A. Nucci Albert Leo O'Neil Peggy Davis-Mullen Diane J. Modica James M. Kelly Maureen Feeney Charles Yancey Daniel F. Conley Maura Hennigan Gareth R. Saunders Thomas M. Keane Jr. Brian J. McLaughlin
1996–1997 Richard P. Iannella‡ Francis Roache Albert Leo O'Neil Peggy Davis-Mullen Diane J. Modica James M. Kelly Maureen Feeney Charles Yancey Daniel F. Conley Maura Hennigan Gareth R. Saunders Thomas M. Keane Jr. Brian Honan
Stephen J. Murphy
1998–1999 Stephen J. Murphy Francis Roache Albert Leo O'Neil Peggy Davis-Mullen Paul Scapicchio James M. Kelly Maureen Feeney Charles Yancey Daniel F. Conley Maura Hennigan Gareth R. Saunders Thomas M. Keane Jr. Brian Honan

† Following the death of Christopher A. Iannella in September 1992; Albert Leo "Dapper" O'Neil was selected as president, while Bruce Bolling served the remainder of Iannella's term, as Bolling had finished fifth in the general election for four at-large seats.[18][19]
‡ Following the resignation of Richard P. Iannella, who had been elected Register of Probate of Suffolk County, Stephen J. Murphy joined the council in February 1997 and served the balance of Iannella's term, as Murphy had finished fifth in the general election for four at-large seats.[20]

2000–2009

Year At-large Districts
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2000–2001 Peggy Davis-Mullen Michael F. Flaherty Stephen J. Murphy Francis Roache Paul Scapicchio James M. Kelly Maureen Feeney Charles Yancey Daniel F. Conley Maura Hennigan Chuck Turner Michael P. Ross Brian Honan
James M. Kelly Charles Yancey
2002–2003 Maura Hennigan Michael F. Flaherty Stephen J. Murphy Francis Roache† Paul Scapicchio James M. Kelly Maureen Feeney Charles Yancey Robert Consalvo John M. Tobin Jr. Chuck Turner Michael P. Ross Brian Honan†
Felix D. Arroyo Jerry P. McDermott
2004–2005 Maura Hennigan Michael F. Flaherty Stephen J. Murphy Felix D. Arroyo Paul Scapicchio James M. Kelly Maureen Feeney Charles Yancey Robert Consalvo John M. Tobin Jr. Chuck Turner Michael P. Ross Jerry P. McDermott
2006–2007 Sam Yoon Michael F. Flaherty Stephen J. Murphy Felix D. Arroyo Salvatore LaMattina James M. Kelly† Maureen Feeney Charles Yancey Robert Consalvo John M. Tobin Jr. Chuck Turner Michael P. Ross Jerry P. McDermott
Michael F. Flaherty Bill Linehan Maureen Feeney
2008–2009 Sam Yoon Michael F. Flaherty Stephen J. Murphy John R. Connolly Salvatore LaMattina Bill Linehan Maureen Feeney Charles Yancey Robert Consalvo John M. Tobin Jr. Chuck Turner Michael P. Ross Mark Ciommo
Maureen Feeney Michael P. Ross

† Francis Roache, Brian Honan, and James M. Kelley did not complete their terms and were replaced by Felix D. Arroyo, Jerry P. McDermott, and Bill Linehan, respectively.[21][22][23]

2010–2019

Year At-large Districts
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2010–2011 Felix G. Arroyo John R. Connolly Stephen J. Murphy Ayanna Pressley Salvatore LaMattina Bill Linehan Maureen Feeney Charles Yancey Robert Consalvo John M. Tobin Jr.† Chuck Turner† Michael P. Ross Mark Ciommo
Stephen J. Murphy Matt O'Malley Tito Jackson Michael P. Ross
2012–2013 Felix G. Arroyo John R. Connolly Stephen J. Murphy Ayanna Pressley Salvatore LaMattina Bill Linehan Frank Baker Charles Yancey Robert Consalvo Matt O'Malley Tito Jackson Michael P. Ross Mark Ciommo
2014–2015 Michael F. Flaherty Michelle Wu Stephen J. Murphy Ayanna Pressley Salvatore LaMattina Bill Linehan Frank Baker Charles Yancey Timothy McCarthy Matt O'Malley Tito Jackson Josh Zakim Mark Ciommo
2016–2017 Michael F. Flaherty Michelle Wu Annissa Essaibi George Ayanna Pressley Salvatore LaMattina Bill Linehan Frank Baker Andrea Campbell Timothy McCarthy Matt O'Malley Tito Jackson Josh Zakim Mark Ciommo
2018–2019 Michael F. Flaherty Michelle Wu Annissa Essaibi George Ayanna Pressley Lydia Edwards Edward M. Flynn Frank Baker Andrea Campbell Timothy McCarthy Matt O'Malley Kim Janey Josh Zakim Mark Ciommo
Althea Garrison‡

† Both John M. Tobin Jr. and Chuck Turner did not complete their terms and were replaced by Matt O'Malley and Tito Jackson, respectively, through special elections.[24][25]
‡ Following Ayanna Pressley's election to the United States House of Representatives, she was replaced on the City Council by Althea Garrison in January 2019.[26]

2020–2029

Year At-large Districts
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2020–2021 Michael F. Flaherty Michelle Wu Annissa Essaibi George Julia Mejia Lydia Edwards Edward M. Flynn Frank Baker Andrea Campbell Ricardo Arroyo Matt O'Malley* Kim Janey* Kenzie Bok Liz Breadon
2022–2023 Michael F. Flaherty Ruthzee Louijeune Julia Mejia Erin Murphy Lydia Edwards † Edward M. Flynn Frank Baker Brian Worrell Ricardo Arroyo Kendra Lara Tania Fernandes Anderson Kenzie Bok‡ Liz Breadon
Gabriella Coletta Sharon Durkan
2024–2025 Ruthzee Louijeune Julia Mejia Erin Murphy Henry Santana Gabriella Coletta Edward M. Flynn John Fitzgerald Brian Worrell Enrique Pepén Benjamin Weber Tania Fernandes Anderson Sharon Durkan Liz Breadon

* Following Mayor Marty Walsh's appointment as United States Secretary of Labor, Kim Janey became Acting Mayor and Matt O'Malley presided over the City Council.[27]
† Following Lydia Edwards' election to the Massachusetts State Senate, Gabriela "Gigi" Coletta won the May 3, 2022 special election for the District 1 seat.[28]
‡ Kenzie Bok resigned her seat effective April 28, 2023, in order to join the Boston Housing Authority—a special election to fill the District 8 seat was won by Sharon Durkan on July 25, 2023.[29]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Boston City Council Districts". City of Boston. 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
  2. ^ "Members of City Government 1909–2010" (PDF). cityofboston.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 21, 2010.
  3. ^ Documents of the City of Boston for the year 1855
  4. ^ Hosea Starr Ballou. Hon. Newton Talbot, A.M. New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Oct. 1904
  5. ^ Stephen Puleo (2007). Boston Italians: A Story of Pride, Perseverance, and Paesani, from the Years of the Great Immigration to the Present Day. Boston: Beacon Press. ISBN 978-0-8070-5036-1.
  6. ^ A catalogue of the city councils of Boston, 1822–1908. Boston: City of Boston, 1909.
  7. ^ "NEW TURN OF WHEEL IN BOSTON GOVERNMENT". The Boston Globe. November 6, 1924. p. 1A. Retrieved March 2, 2018 – via pqarchiver.com.
  8. ^ "Plan A Wins; Boston to Get New Charter". The Boston Globe. November 9, 1949. p. 1. Retrieved March 2, 2018 – via pqarchiver.com.
  9. ^ "McColgan Victor in Ward 7 Vote for City Councilor". The Boston Daily Globe. September 13, 1950.
  10. ^ "Runner-Up Gets Chance to Serve 1 Week on Council". The Boston Globe. December 25, 1953. p. 14. Retrieved May 24, 2019 – via newspapers.com.
  11. ^ Keblinsky, Joseph (April 22, 1958). "Hailer Quits City Council, Coffey O.K.'d". The Boston Globe.
  12. ^ Mills, Edgar M. (September 12, 1958). "McCormack Grips State Legal Reins". The Christian Science Monitor.
  13. ^ "Sullivan to Get M'Laughlin Seat In City Council". The Boston Globe. November 10, 1961.
  14. ^ Keblinsky, Joseph (April 30, 1961). "Did Joe White Yield to Pressure?". The Boston Globe.
  15. ^ Jordan, Robert (January 26, 1971). "O'Neil is seated by City Council; Atkins balks at rule on succession". The Boston Globe. p. 24. Retrieved March 7, 2018 – via pqarchiver.com.
  16. ^ Long, Tom (June 26, 2001). "Frederick C. Langone, at 79; Colorful Boston Councilor". The Boston Globe.
  17. ^ McMillan, Gary (December 31, 1978). "Hicks coming back to council but not saying if she'll stay". The Boston Globe.
  18. ^ "Bolling to fill council vacancy". The Boston Globe. September 23, 1992. Retrieved February 24, 2018 – via pqarchiver.com.
  19. ^ "Bolling is welcomed back to City Council". The Boston Globe. September 24, 1992. Retrieved February 24, 2018 – via pqarchiver.com.
  20. ^ Flint, Anthony (February 3, 1997). "Persevering candidate finally sworn in as city councilor". The Boston Globe. p. B.3. Retrieved March 5, 2018 – via pqarchiver.com.
  21. ^ Beard, David (January 12, 2003). "HISTORY MADE, ON A HOLIDAY". The Boston Globe. p. 3. Retrieved March 9, 2018 – via pqarchiver.com.
  22. ^ Dade, Corey (December 11, 2002). "BRIGHTON REALTOR WINS SEAT ON COUNCIL". The Boston Globe. p. B.2. Retrieved March 9, 2018 – via pqarchiver.com.
  23. ^ Irons, Meghan E. (February 15, 2017). "Linehan says he will not seek re-election". The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  24. ^ "Tobin leaving Boston City Council". The Boston Globe. July 6, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  25. ^ Boeri, David (December 1, 2010). "Boston City Council Expels Chuck Turner". WBUR-FM.
  26. ^ Valencia, Milton (September 6, 2018). "Finally, Althea Garrison will be a city councilor". The Boston Globe. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
  27. ^ "Meet Boston City Council's New Council President, Matt O'Malley". boston.gov. March 31, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  28. ^ Gavin, Christopher (May 4, 2022). "Gigi Coletta is Boston's newest city councilor". Boston.com. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  29. ^ Guffey, Alysa (July 25, 2023). "Sharon Durkan wins special election for Boston City Council District 8 seat". The Boston Globe. Retrieved August 9, 2023.

Further reading

External links

Members of the Boston City Council
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