Will Onuoha, a seasoned professional in city government, is campaigning for an at-large position on the Boston City Council, bringing extensive experience and a deep connection to the community.
Having worked under the leadership of four mayors—Tom Menino, Marty Walsh, Kim Janey, and Michelle Wu—Onuoha has tackled various local issues and has developed a profound understanding of Boston’s neighborhoods, including Jamaica Plain, where he has fond childhood memories. Currently a resident of Dorchester, he emphasizes his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents throughout the city.
In an interview with Jamaica Plain News, Onuoha outlined several strategies to address Boston’s escalating housing crisis. He aims to focus on expanding inclusionary zoning policies, incentivizing developers to create more affordable units, and utilizing vacant lots for housing initiatives.
Onuoha identifies three significant issues he is hearing from residents during his neighborhood visits: affordable housing access, the need for quality education in Boston Public Schools, and a City Council that prioritizes local issues and constituent services.
Addressing the pressing matter of housing affordability, Onuoha stated, “Everyone deserves an affordable, stable place to call home.” He highlighted that Boston is currently facing a housing affordability crisis characterized by soaring housing costs, gentrification, and displacement of residents. He argued for immediate action and strong leadership to ensure that Boston remains an inclusive city for all residents.
As a solution, Onuoha proposes bold, people-centered policies aiming to protect neighborhoods, prevent displacement, and facilitate increased access to homeownership. Key strategies include expanding inclusionary zoning, incentivizing affordable unit construction, and repurposing underutilized public land. Collaborations with non-profit housing organizations and community land trusts are also part of his vision for ensuring long-term affordability in housing.
Streamlining the permitting process and offering tax credits to reduce construction costs are additional measures Onuoha plans to promote, thereby attracting investments while preserving existing affordable units to help prevent displacement.
On the topic of rent stabilization or rent control measures, Onuoha shared his concerns. Although he recognizes the ongoing housing challenge facing Boston and the plight of vulnerable residents, he has reservations about the impacts of rent control on small property owners. He advocates for a balanced approach, prioritizing the creation of more affordable housing units alongside incentives for development.
Onuoha expresses significant apprehension regarding the trend of investors purchasing single, double, and triple-family homes, which he believes limits access to homeownership for many residents. He vows to advocate for programs that promote homeownership opportunities, especially within communities of color and low- to moderate-income groups. This includes initiatives to encourage building affordable homes and exploring alternative resident-owned housing models like community cooperatives and land trusts.
Furthermore, Onuoha asserts that the City Council has been silent on pressing challenges facing Boston Public Schools (BPS), despite the alarming drop in student enrollment by 10,000 children, which coincides with Boston’s population growth. He argues for a focused approach to improve the school system, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan that provides every child with access to high-quality education in a school of their choice.
Addressing the potential impacts of federal funding changes, Onuoha acknowledges that cuts could significantly hinder various aspects of Boston’s ecosystem, including the annual city budget and the financial stability of non-profits and community organizations. Such reductions could lead to gaps in services that city government might need to address.
To combat this, he pledges to prioritize services and programming that matter most to the community. Onuoha emphasizes the importance of flexibility in policymaking, asserting that City Council must work with stakeholders to mitigate short-term impacts while avoiding long-term damage to critical community partners.
As Onuoha progresses in his campaign for the City Council, he remains focused on his connections with the Boston community and strives to enact meaningful change in housing affordability and education for residents across the city.
image source from：jamaicaplainnews
