In a move connecting the city's administrative services more closely with residents of several historic Boston neighborhoods, Mayor Michelle Wu has named Maria Perez as the new liaison for the North End, West End, and Wharf District, a crucial role for the Office of Neighborhood Services. The announcement made earlier today as detailed on the City of Boston's official website, indicates Perez will be tasked with bridging local government to community concerns, echoes the Mayor's sentiment, “Maria’s commitment and advocacy for her community is inspiring to many,” and “I’m proud to have her serve as our North End, West End, and Wharf District Liaison.”
Bringing with her a personal legacy of community work and public service, Perez comes from a long line of residents calling the North End home, her native roots within the very fabric of the neighborhoods she'll now represent, she served at the Nazzaro Community Center, overseen youth and teen programming and now, she takes on this new avenue of public service with a rapport built over years of hands-on work in various community-centric roles. In a public statement, Perez shared, “My commitment to public service is inspired by my family; I love Boston’s rich history, tight-knit communities and traditions,” continuing with a promise, “I look forward to ensuring residents’ voices are heard, city services are accessible, and neighborhood pride is honored.”
For the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, led by Executive Director Lindsey Santana, the appointment of Perez signifies a step toward reinforcing community engagement. Santana pointed out on the City of Boston that "Maria’s background in public service, combined with her experience as a North End native, makes her a great choice for the liaison role," additionally noting the importance of building connections within the served communities. Residents are encouraged to actively engage with Perez during her Friday office hours, which can be accessed via the department's event schedule online.
Perez succeeds North End native Ciara D’Amico, who will continue to work closely in support, ensuring that the neighborhoods under Perez's supervision receive comprehensive attention and access to city resources, aiding to improve the quality of life in these districts, as the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services stresses the importance of local input, facilitating local meetings and connecting residents to the City's range of services. Community engagement specialists manage responsibilities such as abutter meetings which further the office's pursuit to ensuring responsive municipal governance in line with citizen's needs, for more information on how to connect or to report non-emergency issues, residents can visit the BOS:311 portal which is available online and as an app for mobile devices.
