Challenges Faced by Michelle Wu: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Michelle Wu. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Michelle Wu is an American lawyer and politician currently serving as the mayor of Boston, Massachusetts, since 2021. Her election marked a historic moment as she is the first woman and first person of color to be elected mayor of Boston. Prior to becoming mayor, she served as a member of the Boston City Council from 2014 to 2021, where she championed various progressive policies. Wu's political career has been marked by her focus on issues like affordable housing, climate change, and equitable access to education and resources for all Boston residents. She's considered a rising star in the Democratic party.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2016: Administration previously opposed plastic bag ban

In 2016, Mayor Walsh's administration previously opposed a plastic bag ban when it was debated by the Council.

2016: Supported Massachusetts Question 4

In 2016, Michelle Wu supported Massachusetts Question 4, a ballot initiative to legalize the recreational use of cannabis in Massachusetts. This decision created a disagreement with Mayor Marty Walsh, who was a vocal opponent of legalization.

2019: Published a report on the Boston Planning & Development Agency

In 2019, Michelle Wu's office published a 72-page report on the city's permitting system, calling for the abolition of the Boston Planning & Development Agency.

December 2021: Announced COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

In December 2021, Michelle Wu announced a city COVID-19 vaccine mandate for indoor public venues in Boston. The mandate required people ages 12 and older to show proof of vaccination. The mandate promoted opposition, and Wu received racist messages in response to vaccine requirements.

2021: Voted against Mayor Walsh's operating budget for the city

In June 2020, Michelle Wu was one of five members of the Boston City Council to vote against Mayor Walsh's 2021 operating budget for the city.

January 15, 2022: Vaccine Mandate First Dose Deadline

By January 15, 2022, people ages 12 and older were required to show proof of at least their first COVID-19 vaccine dose in order to enter indoor public venues in Boston.

January 2022: City Employees COVID-19 Vaccination Compliance

By late January 2022, about 94% of city employees were in compliance with Michelle Wu's requirement for city employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

February 15, 2022: Vaccine Mandate Full Vaccination Deadline

By February 15, 2022, people ages 12 and older were required to show proof of full vaccination in order to enter indoor public venues in Boston.

February 19, 2022: Ended Proof-of-Vaccine Mandate

On February 19, 2022, Michelle Wu announced that the city would end its proof-of-vaccine mandate for public places with immediate effect.

June 2022: Agreement to Improve Boston Public Schools

In June 2022, Michelle Wu and Massachusetts state education officials reached an agreement to improve Boston Public Schools, averting state receivership which had been considered due to negative assessments in 2020. Wu opposed proposals to place the schools into receivership.

February 2023: Veto of City Council Ordinance on School Board Elections

In February 2023, Michelle Wu vetoed a city council ordinance to advance a home rule petition requesting that the state make the city's public school board an elected body. Wu stated that she could not support changes that would compromise the ability to stabilize and support the Boston Public Schools during a critical period.

May 2023: Observations on Wu's Approach to City's Business Elite

In May 2023, observers noted that Michelle Wu's approach to dealing with Boston's business elite differed from her predecessors, as she prioritized municipal concerns over giving audiences to business leaders. She prefers group meetings to shape policies, leading to some dissatisfaction among those used to having direct access to the mayor.

June 2023: Vetoed Budget Cut

In June 2023, Michelle Wu vetoed a $5 million cut in Boston Police and Veterans Services departments proposed by the City Council.

December 2023: Contract Agreement with Boston Police Patrolmen's Association

In December 2023, Michelle Wu reached a contract agreement with the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, which included provisions for officers to lose arbitration rights if convicted of certain crimes, public access to pay details, and stricter medical leave guidelines. The Bay State Banner described it as the first contract where Boston officials secured significant reforms from the Patrolmen's union.

2024: Climate Push with Mixed Results

In 2024 Wu's climate push had mixed results, including winning a $10 million federal grant for climate-related job training and a failed vote with the Boston Zoning Commission to accelerate the net-zero requirement for all new buildings.

2024: Shared Experiences with Pregnancy and Miscarriage

In 2024, during an event at the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Wu shared personal details about her pregnancies and miscarriages. She discussed her experiences with assisted reproductive technology and the use of Mifepristone and Misoprostol after a missed miscarriage, drawing connections to contemporary legal issues regarding reproductive rights.