History of Michelle Wu in Timeline
Michelle Wu, an American politician of Taiwanese descent, is the current mayor of Boston, Massachusetts. Elected in 2021, she is the first woman, first person of color, and youngest person in almost a century to hold this position. Previously, she served on the Boston City Council from 2014 to 2021, acting as its president from 2016 to 2018. Her political affiliation is with the Democratic Party.
1925: Historical Milestone
In 1925, Malcolm Nichols became the first alumnus of Harvard College to be elected mayor of Boston, setting a historical precedent.
January 14, 1985: Michelle Wu is born
On January 14, 1985, Michelle Wu is born. She would later become the first Asian American woman to serve on the Boston City Council and the first woman and first person of color to be elected mayor of Boston.
1989: Implementation of Childcare Policy for Downtown Developments
Under Mayor Raymond Flynn's leadership, Boston implemented a policy in 1989 requiring new commercial developments in the downtown area to provide on-site childcare services or contribute to off-site childcare resources.
2003: Michelle Wu graduates as valedictorian from Barrington High School and is selected as a Presidential Scholar
In 2003, Michelle Wu graduated as valedictorian from Barrington High School in Illinois and earned perfect scores on both the ACT and SAT. She was selected as a Presidential Scholar that year as well.
2007: Michelle Wu graduates from Harvard University
In 2007, Michelle Wu graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in economics.
2009: Michelle Wu moves back to Massachusetts to attend Harvard Law School
In 2009, Michelle Wu returned to Massachusetts with her mother and younger siblings to pursue a J.D. from Harvard Law School.
2010: Michelle Wu works for Boston City Hall, is a fellow at the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Policy, and graduates from Emerge Massachusetts
In 2010, Michelle Wu held several positions: she worked in the Office of Administration and Finance in Boston City Hall, was a fellow at the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Policy under Mitch Weiss, and graduated from Emerge Massachusetts, a program that trains women to hold elected office.
December 7, 2011: Engagement to Conor Pewarski
Michelle Wu got engaged to Conor Pewarski on December 7, 2011, on Cambridge Common.
September 8, 2012: Marriage to Conor Pewarski
Michelle Wu married Conor Pewarski on September 8, 2012.
2012: Advocacy for Late-Night Public Transit
Michelle Wu began advocating for late-night public transit as part of her platform during her 2012 City Council run.
2012: Michelle Wu graduates from Harvard Law School
In 2012, Michelle Wu graduated from Harvard Law School.
2012: Michelle Wu works on Elizabeth Warren's 2012 United States Senate campaign
In 2012, Michelle Wu worked on Elizabeth Warren's successful campaign for the United States Senate. Warren was Wu's professor in law school, and Wu is considered a protege of Warren's.
2012: Michelle Wu works on Elizabeth Warren's 2012 United States Senate campaign
In 2012 Michelle Wu worked as the constituency director on Elizabeth Warren's successful campaign for one of Massachusetts' seats in the U.S. Senate.
November 2013: Michelle Wu is elected to the Boston City Council
In November 2013, Michelle Wu was elected to an at-large seat on the Boston City Council.
2013: Boston Magazine's "Rookie of the Year"
Michelle Wu was voted Boston magazine's "Rookie of the Year" in 2013, recognizing her early impact in Boston politics.
January 2014: Michelle Wu becomes a member of the Boston City Council
Michelle Wu officially became a member of the Boston City Council in January 2014, becoming the first Asian American woman to do so.
February 2014: Support for Domestic Workers' Rights
In February 2014, the Boston City Council unanimously passed a resolution authored by Michelle Wu, supporting the Massachusetts Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights.
June 2014: Passage of Healthcare Non-Discrimination Ordinance
In June 2014, the Boston City Council unanimously passed an ordinance co-authored by Michelle Wu and Councilwoman Ayanna Pressley. The ordinance prohibits the city government from contracting with health insurers that discriminate based on gender identity or expression, ensuring healthcare access for transgender city employees and dependents.
December 2014: Michelle Wu gives birth
Michelle Wu gave birth in December 2014 and learned that municipal employees were not offered paid child leave.
December 2014: Birth of Michelle Wu's First Son
In December 2014, Michelle Wu gave birth to her first child, a son, marking a historic moment as the first Boston City Council member to give birth while in office. This experience motivated her to advocate for paid child leave for Boston government employees, a policy she successfully implemented.
2014: Michelle Wu becomes the first Asian American woman to serve on the Boston City Council
In 2014 Michelle Wu became the first Asian American woman to serve on the Boston City Council.
April 2015: The Boston City Council passes a paid parental leave ordinance authored by Wu
In April 2015, the Boston City Council passed an ordinance authored by Michelle Wu that provided city employees with six weeks of paid parental leave.
2015: Support for Extended Late-Night Transit
In 2015, Michelle Wu voiced her support for extending the MBTA's pilot program for late-night transit service on weekends.
2015: Launch of BuildBPS Plan
In 2015, former Mayor Marty Walsh launched the BuildBPS plan, a ten-year, $1 billion initiative to improve Boston Public School buildings. This plan served as a foundation for future investments in school infrastructure.
2015: Michelle Wu is re-elected to the Boston City Council
Michelle Wu was re-elected to the Boston City Council in 2015.
January 2016: Michelle Wu becomes president of the Boston City Council
In January 2016, Michelle Wu became president of the Boston City Council, the first woman of color and first Asian American to hold the role.
2016: Early Recognition as Potential Mayoral Candidate
Michelle Wu was viewed as a potential mayoral candidate as early as 2016.
2016: Plastic bag ban debated by the Boston City Council
The Boston City Council previously debated a plastic bag ban in 2016. Though the mayor opposed the ban then, it would pass in 2017.
2016: The New York Times "14 Young Democrats to Watch"
Michelle Wu was named one of the United States' "14 Young Democrats to Watch" by Frank Bruni of The New York Times in 2016, highlighting her rising prominence in the Democratic Party.
2016: Support for Cannabis Legalization
Michelle Wu supported Massachusetts Question 4 in 2016, advocating for the legalization of recreational cannabis use, a stance that contrasted with then-Mayor Marty Walsh's opposition.
2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President
Michelle Wu endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic Party presidential primary.
2016: Michelle Wu becomes the first woman of color and first Asian American to serve as president of the Boston City Council
In 2016 Michelle Wu began serving as president of the Boston City Council, becoming the first woman of color and first Asian American to hold the role.
October 2017: Boston City Council approves resolution for the city to adopt Community Choice Aggregation
The Boston City Council unanimously approved a resolution for the city to adopt Community Choice Aggregation in October 2017. Michelle Wu co-authored the resolution with fellow councilor Matt O'Malley.
November 2017: Boston City Council passes an ordinance to implement a plastic bag ban
The Boston City Council unanimously passed an ordinance in November 2017 to implement a plastic bag ban in the city. Michelle Wu co-authored the ordinance with Matt O'Malley.
December 2017: Advocacy for Equity in City Contracting
In December 2017, Michelle Wu and Ayanna Pressley authored an op-ed advocating for the "Ordinance on Equity in Opportunity for City Contracting," aiming to provide equal opportunities for businesses owned by people of color, women, and city residents.
2017: Michelle Wu is re-elected to the Boston City Council
In 2017, Michelle Wu was re-elected to the Boston City Council.
2017: Birth of Michelle Wu's Second Son
In 2017, Michelle Wu welcomed her second son. Choosing to forgo maternity leave, she brought both her newborn sons to City Council meetings upon her return, demonstrating her commitment to her role and family.
2017: Massachusetts Democratic Party's Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Award
The Massachusetts Democratic Party bestowed its highest honor, the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Award, upon Michelle Wu in 2017, acknowledging her significant contributions to the party.
January 2018: Michelle Wu's term as president of the Boston City Council ends
In January 2018, Michelle Wu's term as president of the Boston City Council came to an end, though she would remain on the council.
March 2018: EMILY's List "Rising Star" Finalist
Michelle Wu was among six finalists for EMILY's List's "Rising Star" award in March 2018, recognizing her as a promising female Democratic candidate who supports abortion rights.
October 2018: Proposal for "Fair Work Week" Ordinance
Michelle Wu proposed a "fair work week" ordinance in October 2018, advocating for predictable work schedules and compensation for late schedule changes for city contractors' employees.
2018: Michelle Wu ends her term as president of the Boston City Council
In 2018, Michelle Wu ended her term as president of the Boston City Council. She would remain on the council, however.
2018: Endorsement of Ayanna Pressley and Jay Gonzalez
Michelle Wu supported Ayanna Pressley's successful 2018 Democratic primary election challenge against incumbent U.S. congressman Mike Capuano. She also endorsed Jay Gonzalez's unsuccessful campaign in the 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial election.
January 31, 2019: Advocacy for Fare-Free Public Transit
Michelle Wu advocated for the elimination of fares for local public transit in Boston. On January 31, 2019, she penned an op-ed in The Boston Globe urging the MBTA to explore fare-free possibilities.
February 2019: Endorsement of Elizabeth Warren for President
Michelle Wu endorsed Elizabeth Warren's 2020 presidential campaign during Warren's official launch in February 2019. She actively campaigned for Warren as a surrogate in New Hampshire and Iowa.
March 2019: Passage of the Good Food Purchasing Program Ordinance
In March 2019, the Boston City Council unanimously passed the Good Food Purchasing Program ordinance, which Michelle Wu authored. The ordinance set new requirements for public food purchasers, including Boston Public Schools.
December 2019: The Boston City Council passes an ordinance protecting wetlands and promoting climate change adaption
In December 2019, the Boston City Council passed an ordinance introduced by Michelle Wu and Matt O'Malley that protected wetlands and promoted climate change adaption. The mayor signed it into law that month.
2019: Support for Rent Stabilization in Boston
As early as 2019, Mayor Wu expressed support for reviving rent stabilization in Boston.
2019: Recognition as One of Boston's "Most Effective Politicians"
The Atlantic's Rachel Allen recognized Michelle Wu as one of Boston's "most effective politicians" in 2019, highlighting her impactful work in the city.
2019: Emergence as Potential Challenger to Mayor Walsh
Michelle Wu was seen as a potential challenger to incumbent Mayor Marty Walsh if he sought re-election in 2021.
2019: Advocacy for Reform of Boston's Permitting System
Michelle Wu advocated for reforming Boston's permitting system, calling for the abolition of the Boston Planning & Development Agency, which she deemed as politicized and opaque. In 2019, her office published a 72-page report on the issue. She also clashed with Mayor Walsh over his appointees to the city's Zoning Board of Appeals.
2019: Michelle Wu is re-elected to the Boston City Council
In 2019, Michelle Wu was reelected to the Boston City Council.
2019: Michelle Wu supports reviving rent stabilization in Boston
In 2019, Michelle Wu voiced her support for reviving rent stabilization in Boston. Though supported by some on the City Council, the idea was contentious.
2019: Advocacy for Abortion Rights
In 2019, Michelle Wu joined a campaign advocating for the Roe Act, aiming to codify abortion care protections in state law.
2019: Advocacy for Government Transparency and Support for Small Businesses
In 2019, Michelle Wu continued to advocate for government transparency, particularly regarding corporate tax breaks, and introduced an ordinance to increase transparency. She also advocated for greater support for small businesses and entrepreneurs of color.
June 2020: Introduction of Unarmed Community Safety Crisis Response System Ordinance
In June 2020, Michelle Wu, along with Councilors Lydia Edwards and Julia Mejia, introduced an ordinance to establish an unarmed community safety crisis response system. This initiative aimed to shift the response to nonviolent 9-1-1 calls away from the Boston Police Department and towards non-law enforcement agencies and trained health professionals.
August 2020: Michelle Wu releases plans for "Boston Green New Deal & Just Recovery" program
In August 2020, Michelle Wu released her plans for a "Boston Green New Deal & Just Recovery" program, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality for municipal buildings by 2024, have the city running entirely on renewable energy by 2030, and make Boston carbon neutral overall by 2040.
September 15, 2020: Announcement of Mayoral Candidacy
Michelle Wu announced her candidacy for Mayor of Boston on September 15, 2020.
2020: Proposal for Fare-Free Public Transit
Michelle Wu's 2020 proposal for a municipal Green New Deal included her proposal for fare-free public transit in Boston.
2020: Support for Federal Fare-Free Transit Legislation
Michelle Wu supported federal legislation, including the "Freedom to Move Act," promoting fare-free public transit.
2020: Endorsement of Elizabeth Warren for President
Michelle Wu endorsed Elizabeth Warren in the 2020 presidential election.
2020: Negative Assessments of Boston Public Schools
In 2020, studies conducted on the Boston Public Schools yielded negative assessments, raising concerns about the quality of education and leading to discussions about potential state intervention.
2020: Proposal for "Food Justice" Agenda
In 2020, Michelle Wu proposed a "food justice" agenda for Boston, advocating for a higher minimum wage, paid sick leave, and a gradual phase-out of tipped wages for food-sector workers.
2020: Municipal Green New Deal Proposal for Housing
Mayor Wu's 2020 Municipal Green New Deal proposal advocated for expanding cooperative housing, community land trusts, and renter's right to counsel.
January 7, 2021: Open Mayoral Seat and Endorsement from Elizabeth Warren
When Mayor Walsh was nominated as Secretary of Labor by President-elect Joe Biden on January 7, 2021, the mayoral race became an open seat. Senator Elizabeth Warren endorsed Michelle Wu for mayor two days later.
January 2021: Endorsement of Fare-Free Buses by The Boston Globe
The Boston Globe's editorial board endorsed making the city's buses fare-free in January 2021, crediting Michelle Wu as a leader on the issue. Her advocacy for fare-free public transit gained traction and inspired other initiatives, including one implemented by Lawrence, Massachusetts Mayor Daniel Rivera.
January 2021: Influence on Fare-Free Transit Advocacy
By January 2021, Michelle Wu's advocacy popularized fare-free public transit in Boston, leading to endorsements and implementations in other areas.
September 2021: Front-runner Status in Mayoral Primary
By September 2021, Michelle Wu was considered the front-runner in the nonpartisan mayoral primary, with a significant lead in the polls.
November 2, 2021: Election as Mayor of Boston
Michelle Wu won the Boston mayoral election on November 2, 2021, with over 64% of the vote, becoming the first woman and first person of color to be elected mayor of the city.
November 2021: Characterized as Strong Progressive
In November 2021, Ellen Barry of The New York Times characterized Michelle Wu as a strong progressive who is "difficult to caricature as a radical."
November 2021: Increased Ridership on Fare-Free MBTA Route 28
Data released in November 2021 showed a significant increase in ridership on the fare-free MBTA Route 28 during the pilot program.
November 2021: Proposal for Fare-Free Bus Program Funding
In November 2021, Mayor Michelle Wu submitted an appropriations order to the Boston City Council, seeking approval for $8 million in federal funds to support two years of fare-free service on MBTA bus routes 23, 28, and 29.
November 16, 2021: Sworn in as Mayor of Boston
Michelle Wu was sworn in as the Mayor of Boston on November 16, 2021, at the age of 36, making her the youngest person elected to the position in almost a century.
November 22, 2021: Ordinance for Divestment from Fossil Fuels, Tobacco, and Prison-Related Companies
On November 22, 2021, Mayor Wu signed an ordinance to divest city investments from companies profiting from fossil fuels, tobacco, and prisons, aiming for a Green New Deal.
December 2021: Ordinance to Eliminate Parking Minimums for Affordable Housing
In December 2021, Mayor Wu signed an ordinance removing off-street parking minimums for new affordable housing projects.
December 2021: City COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Announced
Mayor Wu announced a city COVID-19 vaccine mandate in December 2021, requiring proof of vaccination for indoor public venues.
December 2021: Extension of Fare-Free Pilot Program for MBTA Route 28
Mayor Wu extended the fare-free pilot program for the MBTA Route 28 bus in December 2021.
2021: Michelle Wu proposes expanding paid child leave in Boston
In 2021, Michelle Wu proposed expanding Boston's paid child leave policy to cover pregnancy loss more broadly. The City Council passed the ordinance, and it was soon signed into law.
2021: Positioning in the Mayoral Race
Michelle Wu was seen as a potential challenger to incumbent Mayor Marty Walsh, who was considering seeking re-election in 2021.
2021: Michelle Wu runs for Mayor of Boston
Michelle Wu decided to run for Mayor of Boston in 2021 and did not seek a fifth term on the City Council.
2021: Michelle Wu becomes Mayor of Boston
In 2021, Michelle Wu was elected mayor of Boston, becoming the first woman and first person of color to hold the office.
2021: Wu's Education Plan During Mayoral Campaign
During her 2021 mayoral campaign, Michelle Wu proposed an education plan that included restructuring the Boston School Committee to have a majority of elected members.
2021: Vote Against Mayor Walsh's Operating Budget
Michelle Wu was one of five Boston City Council members to vote against Mayor Walsh's 2021 operating budget. Despite the budget including a \$12 million cut to the police department's overtime budget, Wu argued that it was inconsequential as the city was still contractually obligated to pay for every hour of overtime work.
January 2022: Funding for Mildred C. Hailey Apartments and Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Policy
In January 2022, Mayor Wu allocated \$50 million to improve the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments and adopted an Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing policy.
January 2022: City Employee Vaccine Mandate and Legal Challenges
In January 2022, the Wu administration's vaccine mandate for city employees faced legal challenges from unions.
January 15, 2022: First Dose Deadline for Vaccine Mandate
January 15, 2022 marked the deadline for at least the first COVID-19 vaccine dose under the city's mandate.
January 2022: Adoption of Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Policy
In January 2022, Mayor Michelle Wu signed an executive order implementing a municipal Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing policy, making Boston the largest U.S. city to adopt such a policy.
February 9, 2022: Launch of Fare-Free Bus Program
On February 9, 2022, Mayor Michelle Wu and MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak officially launched a two-year program making MBTA Routes 23, 28, and 29 fare-free. This initiative, serving Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury, was funded by $8 million in federal funds.
February 15, 2022: Full Vaccination Deadline for Vaccine Mandate
February 15, 2022 was the deadline for full COVID-19 vaccination as per the city's mandate.
February 19, 2022: End of Proof-of-Vaccine Mandate
Mayor Wu ended the city's proof-of-vaccine mandate for public places on February 19, 2022.
March 1, 2022: Implementation of Fare-Free Bus Pilot Program
As Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu extended the fare-free bus pilot program on March 1, 2022. She added two additional routes to serve lower-income areas, making them free of charge for all riders. The program was funded by \$8 million in federal pandemic relief funds.
March 2022: Establishment of Rent Stabilization Advisory Committee
In March 2022, Mayor Wu formed a committee to advise on rent stabilization strategies and combat tenant displacement.
April 2022: Heat Resilience for Boston Plan Unveiled
On Earth Day in April 2022, Mayor Wu introduced the Heat Resilience for Boston plan to address heat extremes, focusing on vulnerable communities.
May 2022: Unveiling of "Green New Deal" for Boston Public Schools
In May 2022, Mayor Michelle Wu announced an ambitious "Green New Deal" for Boston Public School buildings, significantly increasing capital investment to $2 billion for new construction and renovations. This plan emphasizes equity, transparency, and community involvement in school infrastructure improvements.
May 2022: Awarding of Contract to Black-Owned Business
In a landmark decision in May 2022, the City of Boston, under Mayor Wu's leadership, awarded a $17 million contract to City Fresh Foods, a Black-owned business, to supply Boston City Schools. This marked the largest non-construction contract awarded to a certified Black-owned business in the city's history, highlighting Wu's commitment to diversity and equitable economic opportunities.
May 16, 2022: Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools
On May 16, 2022, Mayor Wu pledged a "Green New Deal" for Boston Public Schools, increasing school construction funding to \$2 billion.
June 2022: Agreement to Improve Boston Public Schools
In June 2022, Mayor Michelle Wu successfully negotiated an agreement with Massachusetts state education officials to implement improvements within the Boston Public Schools, effectively preventing a state takeover of the school system.
July 2022: Appointment of New Police Commissioner
In July 2022, after a seven-month search, Mayor Michelle Wu appointed Michael Cox as the Commissioner of the Boston Police Department.
July 2022: Executive Order on Childcare Funding from Developers
In July 2022, Mayor Michelle Wu signed an executive order that clarified the financial contributions required from developers for childcare services in downtown Boston. This order built upon a 1989 policy but provided more specific guidelines to ensure developers contribute adequately to childcare resources.
August 2022: Diversity in Mayor Wu's Cabinet
By August 2022, Mayor Michelle Wu's cabinet comprised a majority of people of color, reflecting her commitment to representation and a government responsive to diverse communities.
August 2022: Receipt of Grant for Workforce Training
In August 2022, Boston received a $23 million grant to establish a Regional Workforce Training System, aimed at training and placing individuals in quality jobs.
August 2022: Proposed Home Rule Petition for Fossil Fuel Ban in New Buildings
In August 2022, Mayor Wu proposed a home rule petition to ban fossil fuels in new buildings, except labs and hospitals.
September 2022: Described as Progressive Mayor
In September 2022, Ginia Bellafante of The New York Times described Michelle Wu as a "progressive but not aggressively ideological" mayor.
September 2022: Creation of the Cabinet for Worker Empowerment
In September 2022, Mayor Michelle Wu established the Cabinet for Worker Empowerment to oversee key initiatives, including the "Green New Deal" for Boston Public Schools and the creation of a childcare trust fund.
October 2022: Executive Order to Streamline Affordable Housing Approvals
Mayor Wu signed an executive order in October 2022 to expedite the approval process for income-restricted affordable housing developments in Boston.
October 2022: Launch of Workforce Training Program
The Regional Workforce Training System, aimed at training individuals for quality jobs, commenced in October 2022.
2022: Recognition and Honors
Throughout 2022, Michelle Wu received several awards and recognitions, including honors from Gold House, Time magazine, the Harvard College Class of 2022, and the Massachusetts Public Health Association.
2022: In-Depth Analysis of Fare-Free MBTA Route 28 Pilot Program
A detailed 2022 analysis confirmed a substantial ridership increase due to the fare-free pilot program on MBTA Route 28.
2022: Top Ranking in Boston's Most Influential
Michelle Wu topped Boston magazine's list of "100 Most Influential Bostonians" in 2022.
February 2023: Veto of Elected School Board Ordinance
In February 2023, Mayor Michelle Wu vetoed a city council ordinance proposing a home rule petition to transition the Boston School Committee to an elected body. While expressing respect for the advocates, she argued that the timing wasn't right for such a change.
March 8, 2023: Home Rule Petitions for Rent Control and BPDA Restructuring
On March 8, 2023, the City Council approved Mayor Wu's petitions for rent control and restructuring the Boston Planning & Development Agency.
March 2023: Analysis of Wu's Political Success by The Boston Globe
In March 2023, Emma Platoff of The Boston Globe attributed Wu's success in navigating the City Council and achieving her political goals to her political acumen, the substantial legal authority vested in the mayor's office, divisions within the City Council, and the relative inexperience of newly elected council members.
May 2023: Shifting Priorities and Approach to Business Elites
By May 2023, observers noted a distinct shift in Mayor Wu's approach compared to her predecessors, prioritizing pressing municipal issues over catering to the city's business elite. Wu's focus on addressing systemic problems and her preference for collaborative policy development, rather than one-on-one meetings with industry leaders, marked a departure from previous administrations.
May 2023: Michelle Wu Performs with the Boston Symphony Orchestra
Showcasing her musical talents, Michelle Wu, a pianist since her youth, performed the second movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in May 2023.
June 2023: Veto of Budget Cuts for Police and Veterans Services
In June 2023, Mayor Michelle Wu vetoed a proposed $5 million budget cut to the Boston Police and Veterans Services departments by the City Council. She argued the cut was "illusory" due to the city's obligation to cover salary and overtime costs for the departments.
July 2023: Executive Order Halting Fossil Fuel Use in New Municipal Buildings
In July 2023, Mayor Wu signed an order stopping fossil fuel use in new city buildings and major renovations.
December 2023: "Electeds of Color" Holiday Party Controversy
In December 2023, Mayor Michelle Wu hosted a holiday party exclusively for elected officials of color, excluding White members of the Boston City Council. This decision sparked controversy, with critics labeling it as divisive and inflammatory, while Wu defended her actions.
December 2023: Contract Agreement with Boston Police Patrolmen's Association
In December 2023, Mayor Michelle Wu reached a contract agreement with the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, hailed as a significant reform achievement. The agreement included limitations on arbitration for officers convicted of certain crimes, public disclosure of police pay details, and stricter medical leave regulations.
2023: Champion Award for Arts and Education
Michelle Wu was honored with the annual "Champion Award" for her dedication to arts and education in Massachusetts in 2023.
2023: Ranked Ninth in Boston's Most Influential
In 2023, Michelle Wu secured the ninth position on Boston magazine's list of "100 Most Influential Bostonians."
2023: Voice of Change Award
Michelle Wu was honored with the "Voice of Change" award by the Boston Bar Association at its 2023 Beacon Awards for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
March 2024: Contract Agreement with Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society
Following a similar agreement with the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, Mayor Michelle Wu reached a contract agreement with the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society in March 2024. This continued her efforts to reform police practices and accountability.
July 2024: Michelle Wu Announces Pregnancy and Shares Past Experiences
In late July 2024, Michelle Wu announced her pregnancy with a daughter due in January 2025, stating she would not take maternity leave. She also revealed two previous pregnancies that ended in miscarriages. During the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Wu connected her experiences to the post-Dobbs legal landscape, advocating for access to assisted reproductive technology and medications like Mifepristone. She shared that her current pregnancy was conceived with assisted reproductive technology and that she used Mifepristone following a miscarriage.
September 2024: Michelle Wu Performs with the Boston Pops
In September 2024, Michelle Wu performed George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue as a guest soloist with the Boston Pops. She had taken refresher lessons at Berklee College of Music in preparation for this performance.
December 13, 2024: Approval of Contract with Boston Police Patrolmen's Association
On December 13, 2024, the Boston City Council unanimously approved a contract agreement between Mayor Wu and the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association. The contract included provisions for increased transparency in police misconduct cases and stricter guidelines for medical leave.
2024: Second in Boston's Most Influential
Michelle Wu was ranked second, after Governor Maura Healey, on Boston magazine's 2024 list of "100 Most Influential Bostonians."
2024: Target date for Boston municipal buildings to achieve carbon neutrality
Michelle Wu's "Boston Green New Deal & Just Recovery" proposal set 2024 as the target date for municipal buildings in Boston to achieve carbon neutrality.
2024: Michelle Wu's Sons Enrolled in Public School
As of 2024, Michelle Wu's sons are both enrolled in Boston's public school system, reflecting her commitment to public education.
January 2025: Michelle Wu Expected Due Date
Michelle Wu is expecting the birth of her daughter in January 2025.
2030: Target date for Boston to run on 100% renewable energy
Michelle Wu's "Boston Green New Deal & Just Recovery" proposal set 2030 as the target date for Boston to run entirely on renewable energy.
2040: Target date for Boston to achieve carbon neutrality
Michelle Wu's "Boston Green New Deal & Just Recovery" proposal set 2040 as the target date for Boston to become carbon neutral.