District 5 City Councilor

Ricardo Arroyo

Ricardo Arroyo, a dedicated champion for the residents of District 5, brings a wealth of experience and determination to his role as a city councilor. Ricardo's commitment to racial justice is unwavering, with proposals passed to establish racism as a public health issue, create a citizen police oversight board to address police brutality, and ban the use of tear gas and rubber bullets on civil rights advocates, as well as the use of facial recognition technology by Boston Police. He has fought to increase the affordability of housing projects in District 5, and has advocated for rent control with the statewide Homes for All coalition.

As a former Public Defender, Ricardo understands the importance of legal representation in eviction proceedings and fully supports the fight for this crucial tenant protection. He has advocated for policies that promote access to good jobs with living wages, recognizing the need to address economic disparities in Boston.

In this year's redistricting battle, Ricardo worked tirelessly to advocate for fair representation and voting power for Black and Brown Boston as chair of the redistricting committee and was unfairly attacked for his commitment to racial justice, transparency, and justice.

District 6 City Councilor

Kendra Lara

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.