Boston's Mayor Michelle Wu has made fresh appointments at City Hall, shaking up the Office of Neighborhood Services by naming Frank Mendoza as Deputy Director and appointing Ben Tayag as West Roxbury Liaison. According to an announcement made on the city's official website, this move aims to strengthen the city’s connection with its residents and provide responsive local government services. Mayor Wu touted the Office as a critical element in bridging City Hall and community members, offering round-the-clock services to deal with everything from municipal issues to emergency situations.
The newly appointed Mendoza comes equipped with a depth of experience, having previously served as the liaison for Allston-Brighton, while also boasting a background as a legislative aide and emergency medical technician. Hailing from Norwalk, Connecticut, Mendoza attended Boston University, graduating with a degree in International Relations, a stint that led him straight into the legislative corridors of the Massachusetts State House. According to the Boston government's announcement, Mendoza said, "My mother and father worked tirelessly to provide better opportunities for me than the ones they had. I look forward to not only serving our city but also to making my parents proud.”
On the other side of the appointments, native Bostonian Ben Tayag will operate as West Roxbury's new point person. Educated at the prestigious Boston Latin School, Tayag has cut his teeth in community engagement and served as State Senator Lydia Edwards' District Director. Tayag told Boston government's news outlet, "I love the people of West Roxbury. I look forward to helping residents solve problems and better understanding City government. I am committed to being responsive."
With four Deputy Directors now helming the Office of Neighborhood Services, the city administration is ramping up its efforts to foster deeper bonds with local enterprises, nonprofits, and constituents. Mendoza, in his bolstered capacity, is tasked with enhancing the city's ability to provide crucial services, as underscored by Executive Director Beata Coloyan: “It has been impressive to witness liaisons who have roots in the Office of Neighborhood Services professionally grow into leadership roles within local government.”
