District 6 City Councilor
Kendra Lara, a passionate first-generation Black Dominican woman, mother, and artist, epitomizes the vibrant spirit of District 6. Born in the Bronx, Kendra moved to Jamaica Plain as a baby, and the community has been her home ever since. Her journey, deeply intertwined with the neighborhood's artistic and activist scene, has propelled her into becoming a dedicated community organizer, artist, and advocate for her community.
As the first Black woman elected to represent District 6 in 2021, Kendra has been tirelessly working to ensure equitable development, stable housing, and a fair share of resources for her constituents. She played a pivotal role in securing $1 million in ARPA funds to acquire affordable housing units, fostering community ownership, and eliminating housing speculation. Kendra's commitment to tenants' rights, including supporting the coalition “Homes for All”’s rent control movement and protecting Seniors in the Forbes building, exemplifies her dedication to housing justice.
She has shined in her role as chair of the Housing Committee on the Boston City Council, collaborating with advocates in the “Coalition for Truly Affordable Boston”’s fight to require a higher percentage of truly affordable units in new luxury buildings built across the city through reforming the Inclusionary Development Policy.