Steve Poftak, former head of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), steps into a challenging new role as the president of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau at a turbulent time for the city’s leadership.
Poftak’s extensive experience with the T, including navigating public and political scrutiny, positions him uniquely as he assesses the policies of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who has not shied away from conflict.
Relations between Wu and the research bureau have been strained recently, particularly after Wu’s administration backed away from a compromise regarding the shift of property tax burdens onto commercial taxpayers.
Following this breakdown, Wu declined to deliver a speech at the bureau’s annual lunch, expressing her disappointment on social media by suggesting that the bureau was acting akin to a political action committee against corporate taxes.
This situation highlights a changing political landscape in Boston, as Wu distances herself from established entities like the research bureau, while newer organizations challenge her fiscal policies more aggressively.
Notably, as Wu avoided the research bureau event, her chief opponent, Josh Kraft, chose to attend, emphasizing the political divide in strategies leading up to the upcoming mayoral election.
Poftak brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having led the MBTA through tumultuous periods, including the aftermath of extensive service disruptions in 2015 caused by severe snowfall and the significant ridership decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite facing significant challenges, Poftak was recognized for his efforts, with Wu acknowledging the difficult nature of his position during a congressional hearing.
When Poftak announced his resignation from the T in 2022, Wu noted his diligence and responsiveness, recognizing the toll of leadership in public transportation during unprecedented times.
Charlene Rideout, chair of the research bureau board, emphasized Poftak’s deep understanding of Boston and his relevant background in both research and public service, making him an ideal candidate for the position.
Before leading the MBTA, Poftak was executive director of the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston and served as a researcher at the Pioneer Institute.
The Boston Municipal Research Bureau, established in 1932, maintains an independent and nonpartisan stance while representing various Boston business interests.
Following a transition in leadership since Sam Tyler’s retirement, the organization has sought to navigate the complexities of presenting objective analyses amid politically charged environments.
Recent reports from the bureau have focused on issues such as the City of Boston’s fiscal 2026 budget and its agreement with the Boston Teachers Union, engaging in critical evaluation of Mayor Wu’s controversial proposals.
Despite facing backlash over her property tax plans, which ultimately did not pass in the Senate, Wu remains firm in her administration’s objectives.
The core question remains whether the research bureau under Poftak will maintain its critical stance toward the mayor or temper its analyses to preserve relations with City Hall.
Rideout expressed confidence in Poftak’s commitment to objective analysis, indicating that the bureau will produce findings that sometimes challenge the administration while adhering to respect and collaboration.
As Poftak embarks on this new chapter, he will quickly learn if his approach can soften the current chill coming from City Hall, or if the pressures of leadership at the T were more manageable than those he now faces.
image source from：bostonglobe
