Michelle Wu's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Michelle Wu.

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

2003: Graduation from Barrington High School

In 2003, Michelle Wu graduated from Barrington High School as the valedictorian of her class and was selected as a Presidential Scholar from Illinois.

2013: Boston Magazine's 'Rookie of the Year'

At the end of 2013, Michelle Wu was voted "Rookie of the Year" by the readers of Boston magazine, which was one of three political awards given by the magazine that year.

January 2014: Joined Boston City Council

In January 2014, Michelle Wu became a member of the Boston City Council, as the first Asian American woman to serve on the council.

June 2014: Ordinance Passed Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity

In June 2014, the Boston City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Michelle Wu coauthored, prohibiting Boston's city government from contracting with health insurers that discriminate based on gender identity or expression.

April 2015: Boston City Council passed paid parental leave ordinance authored by Wu

In April 2015, the Boston City Council passed a paid parental leave ordinance that was authored by Michelle Wu, providing city employees with six weeks of paid parental leave.

January 2016: President of the Boston City Council

In January 2016, Michelle Wu became the president of the Boston City Council, the first woman of color and first Asian American to hold the role.

2016: Named One of '14 Young Democrats to Watch'

In 2016, Frank Bruni of The New York Times named Michelle Wu as one of the United States', "14 Young Democrats to Watch".

2017: Massachusetts Democratic Party's Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Award

In 2017, the Massachusetts Democratic Party awarded Michelle Wu its Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Award, which it considers its highest honor.

March 2018: Finalist for EMILY's List 'Rising Star'

In March 2018, Michelle Wu was among six finalists to be honored as a "Rising Star" by EMILY's List, a national group that supports female Democratic candidates who support abortion rights.

2019: Emerged as One of Boston's 'Most Effective Politicians'

In 2019, Rachel Allen of The Atlantic wrote that Michelle Wu had emerged as one of Boston's "most effective politicians".

November 2, 2021: Won Mayoral Election

On November 2, 2021, Michelle Wu won the election with over 64% of the vote, becoming the first woman and first person of color to become mayor of Boston.

November 16, 2021: Sworn in as Mayor of Boston

On November 16, 2021, Michelle Wu was sworn in as mayor of Boston. At 36 years of age, Wu was the youngest person elected mayor of Boston in almost a century.

2021: Became Mayor of Boston

In 2021, Michelle Wu became the mayor of Boston, Massachusetts.

2021: End of City Council Term and Election as Mayor

In 2021, Michelle Wu's term on the Boston City Council ended, as she became the first woman and first person of color to be elected mayor of Boston.

May 2022: Contract Award to City Fresh Foods

In May 2022, the city of Boston awarded a $17 million contract to City Fresh Foods, a local Black-owned business, to serve as a vendor for Boston City Schools. This was the largest non-construction contract awarded to a certified Black-owned business in the city's history, reflecting Wu's emphasis on diversity and supporting the Good Food Purchasing Program.

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.

August 2022: American Rescue Plan Grant for Workforce Training

In August 2022, Boston received a $23 million American Rescue Plan challenge grant from the Economic Development Administration to establish a Regional Workforce Training System aimed at training and placing individuals for 4,618 quality jobs in targeted industries over three years starting in October 2022. The Mayor's Office of Workforce Development was the lead applicant.

2022: Ranked Top Influential Bostonian

In 2022, Boston magazine ranked Michelle Wu at the top of its list of "100 Most Influential Bostonians".

2022: Awards and Honors in 2022

In 2022, Michelle Wu received several honors including recognition from Gold House for her impact in advocacy and policy, being selected as the Harvard College Class Day speaker, inclusion in Time magazine's Time100 Next list, and receiving the "Catalyst for Justice Award" from the Massachusetts Public Health Association.

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.

2023: "Champion Award" for Dedication to Arts and Education

In 2023, Mayor Michelle Wu received the annual "Champion Award" for her dedication to the arts and education in Massachusetts. That same year, Wu and former acting mayor Janey received the Boston Arts Academy Foundation's "Champion Award".

2023: Ranked Ninth Most Influential Bostonian

In 2023, Michelle Wu was ranked ninth on Boston magazine's list of "100 Most Influential Bostonians".

2023: "Voice of Change" Award in 2023

In 2023, the Boston Bar Association gave Michelle Wu the "Voice of Change" award at its Beacon Awards for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

2024: Ranked Second Most Influential Bostonian

In 2024, Boston magazine ranked Michelle Wu as second on the list of "100 Most Influential Bostonians", describing her and Governor Maura Healey as being the city's "power duo".